Pouārahi, Executive Director Māori

Kei aku nui kei aku rahi, kei ngā tōtara haemata puta noa nei.  Kua puta te karanga a Te Aho a Māui, a Te Tairāwhiti, nau piki mai, nau tono mai ki tēnei tūranga mahi rangatira e wātea nei, arā, ko te Pou Ārahi Māori.

Te Aho a Māui, Eastern Institution of Technology (EIT), has proudly served the communities of Te Matau-a-Māui and Tairāwhiti for 50 years. We have a long-standing commitment to supporting the success and wellbeing of ākonga, whānau, and our wider communities. As we look ahead to the next 50 years and beyond, we remain focused on empowering ākonga to reach and exceed their potential.

As we reflect on our history during this key milestone, we also look to the future as we search for our next Pouārahi, Executive Director Māori. The Pouārahi, Executive Director Māori is responsible for the development and implementation of our evolving kaupapa Māori strategy and associated work programmes and initiatives. As a key member of our Executive Leadership Team (ELT), you will work closely with EIT leaders and kaimahi, as well as with your team, mana whenua, iwi, and regional industry and agencies. Together, you will ensure EIT continues to evolve its commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, founded on our values: Herea te tangata, Herea te mana, Herea te pono, and Herea tō momoho. This role represents a unique opportunity to apply your leadership to create meaningful organisational impact and contribute to transformational outcomes for ākonga, whānau, and communities across our rōhē. 

Priorities and focus areas for the Pouārahi, Executive Director Māori include:

• Giving full effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi through strategic, values-based leadership. Uphold EIT’s obligations under the Education and Training Act 2020 and Public Service Act 2020, including advancing Māori success, protecting taonga Māori (including Te Reo ā-Iwi, Toi ā-Iwi, and Pūtaiao ā-Iwi), and strengthening partnerships with mana whenua across Te Matau-a-Māui and Tairāwhiti. 
• Maintaining trusted relationships with mana whenua, iwi, and Māori communities to ensure Māori voices and aspirations shape EIT’s direction, and to uphold EIT’s commitment to acting in the interests of our communities.
• Represent EIT and Māori interests in cross-agency/industry and regional forums.
• Lead capability growth across EIT, including a focus on tikanga, te reo Māori, and kaupapa Māori practice. Support the growth of Māori leadership representation, and ensure our kaimahi are culturally safe and culturally competent.
• Embed tikanga Māori across EIT policies, systems, practice and decision-making, while also reflect our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Champion ākonga Māori success and wellbeing through culturally sustaining curriculum, pedagogy, and learning environments.

 To successfully lead this kaupapa and achieve sustained impact, you will bring a depth of knowledge, experience, and skill across the following areas:

• Expert understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its praxis across governance, leadership, and institutional contexts.
• Strategic, values-based leadership, in kaupapa Māori roles, with a track record of developing and delivering kaupapa Māori strategies and solutions.
• Proficient in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori.
• Skilled in partnering with mana whenua, iwi, and Māori communities.
• Demonstrated ability to grow capability, foster cultural safety, and uplift kaimahi and ākonga in inclusive, mana-enhancing environments.
• Strong values-based leader, highly collaborative and effective at building alignment to drive equity and transformation. 

How to apply:

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience by clicking ‘Apply Now’. If you have any pātai, please feel free to email Jason O'Connor (Director, People & Culture) via: peopleandculture@eit.ac.nz. A copy of the Job Description is included below this text.

Ngā mihi nui, thank you for taking the time to learn more about this opportunity. We warmly encourage your application. Join us in shaping a future of education in Te Matau-a-Māui and Tairāwhiti, and where your mahi creates lasting impact for ākonga, whānau, and our communities.