Chief Executive – Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust

Location: Mauinaina, Panmure, Tāmaki

Term: 24-month Fixed Term (with potential to extend)

Remuneration: $150,000 – $180,000 per annum

Tēnā koutou e te whakamahuetanga a rātou mā e titiro mai nei ki tēnei pānui. Kei te kimi mātou i tētahi tangata e matatau ana ki te whakahaere i ngā rawa o te iwi. E tika ana me matua mōhio te kaitono ki te whakaara, ki te raranga kaimahi kia tū tika i raro i te kaupapa kotahi. E whai atu nei ko te rārangi o ngā hiahia e pā ana ki te tūranga motuhake nei.

Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust is entering an exciting new chapter as a settled iwi, now responsible for enacting its Treaty settlement assets, developing its commercial, environmental and cultural portfolios, and positioning Ngāti Pāoa strategically for future generations.

We are seeking a Chief Executive to lead this kaupapa and operationalise the vision of the Trust. The CE will be a pragmatic and inspirational leader with the ability to translate strategic intent into action. Working with a supportive board focused on governance, the CE will have the autonomy to build systems, strengthen capability, and embed a culture grounded in kaupapa Māori values.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the operationalisation of Treaty settlement properties and initiatives that grow the iwi’s economic, cultural, and environmental wellbeing.

• Develop and implement policies, processes, and systems that strengthen the organisations’ performance and sustainability.

• Build and manage high-performing teams, contractors, and partnerships that reflect iwi values and aspirations.

• Maintain strong relationships with iwi members, hapū, key partners, local and central government, and the wider Māori sector.

• Manage budgets, reporting, and risk with transparency and integrity, including developing a range funding proposals to ensure the sustainability of the iwi aspirations.

• Drive strategic initiatives from concept to implementation and integrate them into business-as-usual.

About You

You will bring proven experience in senior leadership, organisational development, and operational management, with a deep commitment to iwi development and kaupapa Māori.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in senior management (CE, GM, or equivalent).

• Strong financial, governance, and risk management capability.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute plans that deliver measurable results.

• Excellent relationship management, communication, and negotiation skills.

• Grounded in Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga and ability to operate confidently in te ao Māori environments and commitment to kaupapa Māori principles.

• Experience working with iwi, hapū, or Māori organisations’.

Uri who hear the karanga to return home are warmly encouraged to apply.

Why Join Us?

This is a defining role for an experienced visionary leader who wants to contribute to the long-term prosperity and self-determination of Ngāti Pāoa. You’ll help build the future foundations of a proud, resilient, and forward-looking iwi organisation.

If you are a strategic, pragmatic, and people-centred leader ready to make a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion call John Hutton on 021 345 605

To apply, please send you CV and cover letter to info@paoa.co.nz

Applications close: Monday, 5 January 2026 at 5pm