Job Description
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Category: Advisor
Location: Wellington City
Date Advertised: 17-FEB-26
Job Reference: MOJ/1909428
Job Title: Chief Advisor, Māori
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Job Duration:N/A
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Te Haeata/The Opportunity
This is a significant leadership opportunity at the heart of the Crown–Māori relationship. As Chief Advisor, Māori, you will provide cultural leadership across Te Tari Whakatau, ensuring tikanga, te ao Māori and a deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi are meaningfully embedded into organisational practice and decision making. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, Policy, Legal & Corporate, and as a member of Te Paepae Manukura, you will contribute tikanga-informed guidance to collective leadership.
You will lead the Whāinga Amorangi cultural capability framework, building cultural confidence across all kāhui and supporting leaders and kaimahi to engage with Māori in ways that are authentic, respectful and mana-enhancing. The role also provides cultural advice for high-profile external engagements, including ministerial and negotiation hui, and acts as kaitiaki of the tari taonga, overseeing their care and use.
This is an opportunity to shape organisational culture, strengthen partnerships, and ensure cultural capability is practical, accessible and embedded across Te Tari Whakatau.
Mō mātou/About us
Te Tari Whakatau is an independent departmental agency hosted by the Ministry of Justice - Te Tāhū o te Ture. Our work involves resolving historical Treaty of Waitangi claims and supporting the recognition of Māori customary rights and interests in Takutai Moana.
Joining Te Tari Whakatau means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, ****** orientations, disabilities and religions.
Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience
Deep knowledge of Te Ao Māori, tikanga Māori and Māori world views, with proven experience applying this in policy or operational environments.
Demonstrated experience providing cultural advice to senior leaders, including guidance on tikanga, kawa, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi within Māori–Crown relationship contexts.
Proven ability to lead and deliver organisational cultural capability programmes, including developing, monitoring and adapting frameworks aligned to strategic direction.
Strong understanding of Māori–Crown policy frameworks and the machinery of government, ideally with public sector experience.
Demonstrated experience working strategically with whānau, hapū, iwi, Māori organisations and institutions, and managing partnerships in line with organisational objectives.
Ability to model and embed cultural safety in leadership contexts, supporting others to build confidence and capability in practice.
Proficiency in te reo Māori, with the ability to provide accessible tikanga and reo guidance across an organisation.
Understanding of tikanga considerations relating to Māori data sovereignty, including safeguarding Māori data as taonga.
Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with a proven track record of building and maintaining strong, trusted relationships.
Strong strategic thinking, planning and decision-making skills, with the ability to navigate complex, fast-paced environments.
Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here
We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing. These include:
4.4 weeks annual leave,
an online professional development portal,
access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks.
Te Tari Whakatau has an employee value proposition, this is defined as a statement of values, rewards, recognition, support, and culture you can expect when joining.
See our full range of benefits here.
With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.
Utu ā-tau/Salary
The salary range for this role is $149,972 - $206,570. The appointing salary for this role will be between $149,972 and $193,782 based on skills and experience.
Tono mai/Apply
To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter
Applications close on Tuesday 03 March 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]
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💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Chief Advisor, Māori position is now open for candidates interested in the MIS Executive sector. This role in Wellington offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in MIS Executive is a plus.
