VACANCY | Office Manager: People & Operations

TE KOROWAI O NGĀRUAHINE | VACANCY

Office Manager: People & Operations

  • Permanent
  • Full time - 37.5 hours per week 
  • Located in Hāwera, Taranaki 


Ngā Mātāpono | Values  

At Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust, our values are the foundation of everything we do:  

Mahi ka tika | Transparency  

Mahi pono | Trustworthiness  

Manaakitanga | Sharing and caring  

Māhakitanga | Respect and humility  

Ngākaunui | Sound judgement  

Hari me te koa | Fun and celebration  


“Pukenga maunga, rerenga wai” 

We are looking for an exceptional Kaiwhakahaere Tari - Office Manager / People & Operations to run the day-to-day support of our people, office operations, payroll, health & safety, and IT coordination while driving continuous improvement across the business. Reporting to our HR Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in creating an organised, safe, compliant, and positive workplace where our people can thrive to do their best mahi.


If you thrive on taking ownership, love bringing order to chaos, enjoy supporting people, and have a continuous improvement mindset, we'd love to hear from you.


Key Responsibilities:  

This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days look the same. You'll be the go-to person who keeps the business humming and our people supported - working closely with our Pou, Kaimahi, and external providers. This isn't an entry-level administration role - it's a trusted position with significant responsibility across people and operations.


Payroll

  • Process fortnightly payroll accurately and on time.
  • Manage employee leave and payroll records.
  • Ensure payroll complies with NZ legislation.
  • Resolve payroll queries promptly and confidentially.
  • Human Resources
  • Support the entire employee lifecycle including recruitment, training and development, well-being initiatives, and employee records.
  • Maintain accurate employee records and HR systems.
  • Assist the HR Manager with HR projects and people initiatives.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality at all times.


Health & Safety

  • Coordinate the company's Health & Safety systems and documentation.
  • Maintain training and competency records.
  • Monitor incident reporting, investigations and corrective actions.
  • Schedule audits, toolbox meetings and compliance requirements.
  • Support managers and teams to maintain a safe working environment.
  • Ensure legislative compliance and continuous improvement.
  • Office Management
  • Manage day-to-day office operations and communications.
  • Coordinate office supplies, equipment and facilities.
  • Keep documentation, filing systems and business records organised.
  • Coordinate meetings, travel and internal events.


IT Coordination

  • Coordinate IT onboarding and offboarding for employees.
  • Manage laptops, phones, licences and office technology.
  • Liaise with external IT providers to resolve issues.
  • Maintain IT asset registers and equipment allocation.
  • Help implement new technology, training, and business systems.
  • Systems & Process Improvement.
  • Continuously look for smarter ways of working.
  • Improve administrative systems and documentation.
  • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures.
  • Help implement new processes and encourage team adoption.
  • Support projects that improve efficiency, communication and employee experience.

  

He kōrero mōu | About you  

Essential

You have specialist experience in one or two of the core functions:

  • Health and Safety
  • Human Resources
  • Payroll
  • Office Management


Preferred

  • Confidence managing competing priorities and working independently.
  • Excellent organisational and communication skills.
  • A genuine commitment to improving systems and creating positive experiences for others.
  • High levels of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality.
  • Strong technology skills across Microsoft 365 and cloud-based business systems.
  • Experience working in a Kaupapa Māori environment would be advantageous but isn't essential.

  

He Angitūtanga | The opportunity  

  • Make a meaningful impact in a values-driven, kaupapa Māori organisation and the wider community. 
  • 4% personal development budget 
  • Enjoy a fun, supportive work environment with opportunities for growth 
  • Hybrid working arrangements available 
  • Participate in significant kaupapa and events, and access to te reo Māori learning 
  • Competitive Remuneration

  

Tono mai | Apply  
If you take pride in making things happen, love variety, and want to work somewhere you'll be trusted to make a real difference, we'd love for you to apply.


For more information, please email jessica@ngaruahine.iwi.nz or click the link below and apply today.


Closing date for applications is 9am, 31 August 2026.
  

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


September 28, 2026
He toa raupine, he toa raukura, he toa rauora! Te Korowai o Ngāruahine acknowledges and thanks our retiring Trustees for their service, leadership and contribution to Ngāruahine. We particularly acknowledge the welcome and support they have extended to incoming Trustees as we transition into the new governance term. The new Board brings together a strong mix of new perspectives, seasoned governance experience and continuity. The new Te Korowai Board consists of Katrina Taylor, Tauke King, Ngaraina Brooks, Emma Gardiner, Ferinica Hawe Foreman, Tazmyn Katene, Bonita Bigham, Allie Hemara Wahanui, Sarah Mako, Rere-No-A-Rangi Pope, Will Edwards and Pikiteora Matehaere. Of particular note is the appointment of our youngest trustee to date and first trustee to have attended Te Kura o Ngaruahinerangi, Pikiteora Matehaere. She has held national representative body governance roles, as well as being a Trustee on Ngāti Tamaahuroa Titahi Trust. Pikiteora brings a new generational voice to the Board, grounded in our Ngāruahine reo and tikanga — he toa o te rauora. Our incoming Trustees also bring a significant depth of experience from across governance, iwi, hapū, community and professional settings. This is complemented by returning Trustees, whose experience provides important continuity and organisational knowledge as the new Board establishes itself. Te Korowai Board resolved to reappoint Emma Gardiner as Pouwhakarae. This is reflective of the Board’s appetite for continuity and ensuring traction on several priority kaupapa heading into the new term. The Board has also confirmed the following appointments: • Te Ohu Arotake (Audit and Risk) – Allie Hemara Wahanui (Chair), Tauke King and Sarah Mako • Tumu Herenga Tangata (People and Culture) – Bonita Bigham (Chair) and Allie Hemara Wahanui • Te Mataōwhiti (Te Reo) – Rere-No-A-Rangi Pope (Chair) and Katrina Taylor • Pupuke te Hihiri (Impact Investments) – Ferinica Foreman and Will Edwards • Te Kīwai Mauī o Ngāruahine (Commercial Subsidiary) – Will Edwards • Ngā Rere (Lodge) – Bonita Bigham • Te Kāhui Matauraura, South Taranaki District Council – Bonita Bigham and Sarah Mako Together, the appointments reflect a balance of renewal, experience and continuity, with Trustees now moving into their respective governance responsibilities for the new term. 
September 23, 2026
Media Release - 24 September 2026 Media Release from Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust dated 24 September 2026 for your information. Ngā Rere Ora Ltd Announces Appointment of General Manager. Click image to read Media Release.
September 21, 2026
He puanga kōwhai e kai te manu, he puanga tangata, e kai te iwi! The Board has received and accepted the resignation of Kiri Erb and extends its gratitude to her for her service to Te Korowai o Ngāruahine over the past 6 years. Kiri was first elected as a Trustee in 2020, including three years serving as the Heamana for Te Ohu Arotake. We extend our best wishes to Kiri for her mahi and the pathway she is about to embark on. The Board approved the appointment of the next polling candidate for the Ngāti Manuhiakai Electorate under the Trust Deed, Schedule 2, Clause 3.3(a)(i)(A). We are pleased to confirm that Tazmyn Katene has since accepted the appointment to Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust Board.