Director for Commercial Entity

Mō te Pakihi | About the Organisation:

Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea is the Post Settlement Governance Entity (PSGE) tasked with managing Treaty settlement assets and those of the Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board for the benefit of its members. It supports the preservation of culturally and spiritually significant sites for the Iwi and promotes the educational, spiritual, economic, social, and cultural well-being of the Iwi and its members.

It has established Te Pou Tahua o te Whakatōhea Ltd to deliver on its commercial and joint venture outcomes.


Mō te Tūranga | About the Role:

The Director will provide governance, oversight, and strategic direction, ensuring the organisations activities support economic sustainability, social wellbeing, and cultural integrity, while protecting and growing assets for future generations.

Key responsibilities include contributing to the company’s long-term strategic plan and overseeing risk management policies to protect tribal assets. The role is also involved in providing financial performance reports to the Board, building relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and promoting the tikanga and values of Te Whakatōhea. Additionally, it requires making balanced decisions in the best interests of members and collaborating with board members to ensure diverse perspectives in governance.

There are three vacancies.


Mōu | About You:

This role requires a balance of commercial expertise and cultural stewardship to manage the post-settlement assets, so you'll have experience making sound business decisions and the ability to do this while upholding Te Whakatōhea values, tikanga, and aspirations.

You’ll ideally have governance or leadership experience, particularly with iwi organisations, charitable trusts, or community initiatives. You must understand tikanga Māori, te reo Māori, and Te Whakatōhea’s values and aspirations, and be able to integrate Māori values into governance.

Extensive commercial acumen in asset management, finance, or investment is essential, along with a comprehensive understanding of Treaty of Waitangi settlement processes and post-settlement iwi governance structures. A tertiary or postgraduate qualification in business, finance, law, or a related field is needed.

Applications close, Sunday 20 October 2024.

Me tono mai inaīanei | Apply Now!

To find out more, please get in touch with Russell Spratt  029 446 3770 or Orissa Plimmer 027 935 9290 for a confidential kōrero.


To apply for this vacancy you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa.

At the appropriate stage we will request your references, we ask that you do not include them on your CV when applying. 

We are the landing place where our people can come to rest upon, a safe space.
A place where excellence and culture are encouraged and ultimately recognised.

Kia tau ai te mauri tū, ​ te mauri ora ki te katoa. ​Nau mai, tau mai! ​ Vitality and well-being for all. ​ Welcome, settle here!