Tumuaki Maori - Principal Maori Advisor

Full job description
Senior Maori leadership role with strategic and operational influence
Build strong partnerships and cultural capability across the organisation
Develop internal systems and procedures that support staff to engage effectively with iwi
Support planning and infrastructure programmes to achieve Te Mana o te Wai
This is a permanent opportunity for you to increase tikanga Maori and organisation cultural capabilities during a period of reset on how water services in our region are delivered.

As a Senior Leader, you will receive a competitive remuneration package that reflects the strategic impact and experience required. Final details will be shaped based on the skills and capabilities the successful candidate brings. The role is based at our Petone office, with flexibility to work from home part of the week.

The opportunity

We are seeking a skilled and respected Te Ao Maori leader to join our team as Tumuaki Maori - Principal Maori Advisor. This is a permanent, senior-level opportunity to strengthen the organisation's capability in Te Ao Maori and support the successful delivery of our strategic outcomes across water infrastructure, planning, and service delivery.

This position offers a rewarding mix of strategic leadership, systemic capability building, iwi relationship management, and cultural advice. You will report directly to the Chief Executive and play a visible and valued role in influencing our strategic direction and major programmes of work. You will represent the CE/Board Chair at important hui if they are unable to attend.

With changes to how water services are delivered within the Wellington region, this is your opportunity to make a difference by improving our internal systems and supporting the successful delivery of our strategic outcomes across water infrastructure, planning, and service delivery.

About you

To be successful in this role you will:

have comprehensive understanding of Te ao Maori, tikanga Maori and the principals of Te Mana o te Wai
have experience building cultural frameworks specifically related to Te ao Maori practices and capability development
provide high-quality cultural and strategic advice to the Chief Executive, ELT and Board
strengthen our systems and processes and lead our relationships with iwi
support and influence the operations, capital and planning programmes to give effect to Te Mana o Te Wai
work across the organisation to embed tikanga Maori, Te Reo and Te Ao Maori perspectives
lead and develop a small, high-performing team delivering Maori engagement and capability improvement initiatives
have experience developing written policy, framework and presentation documents utilising a variety of business and Microsoft applications.
Benefits

At Wellington Water, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.

Our benefits include the following:

Flexible working arrangements including up to two days working from home per week
Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
Formal and informal professional development opportunities
Five weeks annual leave accrual will be available following two years of continual service
For a full list of our employee benefits: click here.

About us

Wellington Water is the professional water services provider across Greater Wellington and South Wairarapa. Our job is to provide safe and healthy drinking water, collect and treat wastewater, and ensure the stormwater network is well managed. We're a multi-council owned entity, tasked to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities.

The value of water (a precious taonga) sits at our organisational heart. Our people are passionate about providing waters services for our communities and environment which is reflective in our values; Tangata Tiaki, Whanau and Mana.

Applications close: Sunday, 3 August 2025.

How to apply

To view a copy of the position description: click here.

To apply for the role, click on the 'apply' button and include a written cover letter that provides more insight into who you are as an individual.

For further information, or to request a korero about the role and your experience, feel free to contact: andrew.howard@wellingtonwater.co.nz


Please note this position is a safety-sensitive role and will require you to undertake a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen. You must also be legally entitled to work in New Zealand long term to be considered. Read more