NGĀ RERE VACANCY

Kaiwhakahaere Matua | General Manager

• Full-time permanent
• Located in Hāwera, Taranaki 

Ko Wai Mātou? |  About Us

An exciting opportunity has been created for an experienced and passionate General Manager to help launch the soon to be opened Ngā Rere located in Taranaki. Ngā Rere will be an 18-room cultural lodge which delivers an immersive experience as well as a place to rest your head. Manuhiri will experience warmth through manaakitanga of Ngāruahine. Meaning flows through the building design, accommodation, the dining experience, storytelling, and guided tours. The sum of all these components creates a sense of connection with Taranaki Maunga and Ngāruahine.

As the General Manager, you will play a pivotal role in establishing and managing all aspects of this property, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, and driving its success.

The successful applicant will have strong interpersonal skills, must work well in a team environment, and can work well under pressure. This includes having excellent developed organisational and time management skills, being flexible and a responsive Manager and one that is hands on and projects both a positive and approachable manner. Experience working with iwi, particularly in Taranaki, would be an advantage.

The General Manager will be managing all aspects of the day-to-day operations ensuring alignment with the overall strategic and operating plan for the business, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, and Maintenance. Reporting to the Chair and Board of Directors and working closely with key stakeholders, you will ensure the lodge achieves outstanding guest experiences, strong financial performance, and long-term success.

As the leader of Ngā Rere, you will be the driving force behind the culture of the property. Communication, collaboration, and relationship-building will be key to your success as you support and empower department leaders and team members to deliver exceptional service standards.

Responsibilities

• Outstanding leadership skills, previous experience managing a team, recruiting, rostering, training and supervising staff along with HR experience in all aspects.
• Lead and motivate a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and encouraging personal growth and development.
• A strong understanding of the P&L statement and can react with impactful strategies, reporting directly to Head Office
• Ensure that monthly financials for all departments are on target, accurate and reported effectively to the Board.
• Develop and implement effective operational policies and procedures to ensure seamless guest experiences.
• Maximising room yield and revenue through innovative sales practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability while maintaining premium service standards.
• Excellent, high-quality customer service, ensuring positive guest experiences.
• Handling complaints and overseeing the service recovery procedures.
• Ensure exceptionally high and consistent standards are met throughout the hotel.
• Stay informed on hospitality trends, customer expectations, and market opportunities to maintain a competitive offering.
• To hold regular briefings and meetings with the team and departments.
• Understanding of current Health & Safety obligations, ensuring the Hotel is fully compliant to the SOP's, Policies, procedures and service standards. 

Ngā Pūkenga |  Skills and Experience

• Qualification in Hospitality Management, tourism, or equivalent experience in a similar role.
  
• Previous experience in a similar role.
• Passionate about Te Reo Māori me ona Tikanga.
• Strong knowledge of hotel operations, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Food and Beverage,
• Sales and Marketing, and Maintenance
• Proven track record of successfully leading and developing teams, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive revenue growth, manage budgets, and achieve financial targets.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Solid understanding of industry trends, customer preferences, and competitive market dynamics.
• Strong organisational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

This is a rare opportunity to lead the launch of a truly unique hospitality experience within Aotearoa. You will have the opportunity to shape the culture, service standards, and success of Nga Rere while leading a team committed to delivering exceptional hospitality and authentic manaakitanga. 

If you are an experienced hotel leader who is passionate about people, culture, guest experiences, and operational excellence, we would love to hear from you. 

Tono mai | Apply  
If you would like a copy of the job description, please email hrpayroll@ngaruahine.iwi.nz. 

Closing date for applications 5pm, 19 July 2026. 

The successful candidate will be subject to Police vetting and must hold a full driver's licence, as occasional driving may be required. 

To be eligible to apply, candidates must currently hold the right to work and reside in New Zealand.