Kaiārahi | Manager, Iwi and Māori Relations (2) at Te Puni Kōkiri - Ministry of Māori Development, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Bring your knowledge, relationships, and passion and contribute positively to Iwi and Māori relations across the public sector
• Support events that strengthen a shared national identity
• Based in Te Tari Matua, Pōneke | National Office, Wellington 

Our Iwi and Māori Relations tīma are looking for 2 x Manukura | Manager, Iwi and Māori Relations. Our Manager, Iwi and Māori Relations role are each responsible for leading one of two teams focused on supporting the Crown’s engagement with the National Iwi Chairs Forum and Post Settlement Governance Entities and managing events of national significance for Iwi and Māori relations.

The Regions Puni is responsible for implementing Te Puni Kōkiri’s regional strategy and building strong relationships with hapori Māori. Through community engagement, insight gathering and policy advice, it supports initiatives that build capability and drive intergenerational transformation.

Te whai wāhitanga | The opportunity 

The Iwi and Māori Relations Directorate is responsible for providing advice and leadership to set and monitor the strategic direction of the Māori Crown relationship.

The Manager, Iwi and Māori Relations leads a team dedicated to strengthening the Crown’s engagement with Māori, including a specific focus on Iwi Accords, the National Iwi Chairs Forum (NICF), and engagement with Post Settlement Governance Entities (PSGEs). This role supports strategic partnerships by coordinating Ministerial engagement, preparing briefings, and managing events of national significance that promote a shared identity and honour Māori-Crown relationships.

The likely appointment range is $133,248 - $166,560 based on skills and experience.

For more information about the skills and experience required for this position, please see the job description below.

Mōu | About you 

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Demonstrated technical expertise and leadership experience in Iwi and Māori relations
• Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships
• A deep understanding of the Treaty settlement policy framework
• Experience with Māori-Crown perspectives and frameworks
• Demonstrated expertise in historical and contemporary Treaty issues

Tāu e whai ai | What you will get in return 

Te Puni Kōkiri is a diverse and rewarding working environment full of passionate kaimahi focused on creating solutions that will help our communities. We are guided by our values of te wero, manaakitanga, he toa takitini and ture tangata.   

There is more to life than just work and we encourage our kaimahi to maintain the right balance between mahi and their personal lives. Your whānau is just as important as you, so we're committed to providing incentives and opportunities that help our kaimahi and their whānau to thrive, including: 

• A range of allowances including childcare, optical, hauora/wellbeing and te reo Māori proficiency 
• Medical insurance discounts 
• Flexible working options 
• In house te reo Māori training  
• Kaimahi development and career options, including study assistance   
• Enhanced parental leave provisions  

Te Puni Kōkiri | Ministry of Māori Development 

We are committed to our vision of 'Thriving Whānau' - when whānau are thriving, so do their communities, hapū, iwi and all of Aotearoa. Te Puni Kōkiri leads policy advice to the Government on Māori development, and Iwi and Māori relations with the Crown. Our people are at the heart of the work we do – using our approaches to improve outcomes to, for and with Māori, and to drive our efforts to build an Aotearoa where whānau can all stand, thrive and belong.

Find out more about Our Story

We invite applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We believe that diversity fuels innovation and enriches our collective strength. Your unique perspectives, skills, and heritage contribute to our mission of advancing Māori aspirations and well-being.  

Tono mai | Apply Now!  

Ka aukati ngā tono hei te Rātapu 12 Paengawhāwhā 2026 ā te 11.55pm | Applications close on Sunday 12 April 2026 at 11.55pm.   

Tukuna mai tau tono ā-ipurangi | Please submit your application online. 

Nau mai rā ko ngā tononga i te reo Māori, te reo Pākehā, te reorua rānei | We welcome applications in te reo Māori, English, or both. 

Īmēratia vacancy@tpk.govt.nz me he pātai āu | Email vacancy@tpk.govt.nz with any pātai. 

We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have, are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support, we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: vacancy@tpk.govt.nz