TE KOROWAI O NGĀRUAHINE | VACANCY

Pou-a-iwi

Communications and Engagement Lead

• Permanent 
• 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  

“Mahia atu e te iwi e, ngā rawe a tauiwi”  

We're seeking a skilled and passionate Communications and Engagement Lead who is committed to building strong relationships with our iwi through meaningful engagement and clear, understandable communication.

Mō te tūranga | The role  

As the Pou-a-iwi, you will lead a highly motivated and skilled team who takes pride in engaging with our Iwi through events, design, and communications. You will know the nuances that make Ngāruahine, Ngāruahine; particularly, why, how and when to reach out to our different uri – rangatahi mai, pāhake mai – ki tāwāhi, ki te kāinga rānei.

Key Responsibilities:  

• Lead the development and delivery of strategic communications and engagement initiatives that strengthen connections with uri across our takiwā, throughout the motu, and globally.
• Build and nurture trusted relationships with, whānau, hapū, iwi, partners, stakeholders, and the wider community.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Communications and Engagement team, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture.
• Oversee the planning and delivery of communications, engagement activities, and key organisational programmes, ensuring they are well coordinated and aligned with our annual plan and strategic priorities.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, engaging, and culturally appropriate communications that reflect our kaupapa and strengthen our reputation.
• Monitor engagement and communications outcomes, using feedback and insights to continuously improve our approach and increase participation.

He kōrero mōu | About you  

The successful candidate will offer:  

• A strong knowledge and understanding of Ngāruahine
• Demonstrated experience in a senior communications, engagement, or stakeholder relations role, preferably within an iwi, Māori, public sector, or community-focused organisation.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver strategic communications and engagement initiatives that build strong relationships, assist to collect, collate and store appropriate data and increase participation.
• Experience in leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with uri, whānau, hapū, iwi, partners, and a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing engaging content across a variety of platforms.
• Strong proficiency in te reo Māori, in both written and spoken contexts.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related discipline is desirable, or equivalent experience.

He Angitūtanga | The opportunity  

Whilst the role has a focus on communications and engagement, we can promise visibility over a wide range of initiatives within our organisation and rohe – from our Maunga, our awa, our moana, and our whenua. South Taranaki has many natural attractions, affordable living and you will have great work-life balance to enjoy those attractions. This is an exciting time, and we would love for you to join us. 

• 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 

Tono mai | Apply  
If you think this is the opportunity you’ve been looking for, click the link below and apply today.

Closing date for applications is 9am, 21 August 2026.
  
To be eligible to apply, candidates must currently hold the right to work and reside in New Zealand.