Tumuaki Māori - Principal Māori Advisor
Senior Leader wanted to shape water services, foster Iwi partnerships & grow Māori cultural capability in a community-focused organisation.
- Senior Māori 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 ō te Wai
This is a permanent opportunity for you to increase tikanga Māori 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 Māori leader to join our team as Tumuaki Māori – Principal Māori Advisor. This is a permanent, senior-level opportunity to strengthen the organisation’s capability in Te Ao Māori 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 Māori, tikanga Māori and the principals of Te Mana ō te Wai
- Have experience building cultural frameworks specifically related to Te ao Māori 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 Māori, Te Reo and Te Ao Māori perspectives
- Lead and develop a small, high-performing team delivering Māori 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:
- Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home per week
- Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
- Formal and informal professional development opportunities
- 5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 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, Whānau and Mana.
Applications close: Sunday 3rd 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.
- Department
- Chief Executive's Office
- Role
- Tumuaki Māori & CE Support
- Locations
- Petone Office
Petone Office
Staff benefits
1. Inclusive Culture: It is important to us that people love our culture. We embrace a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is at our core. Our team is united by passion, dedication, and a shared care for water and our community.
2. Safety and Support: We provide an Employee Assistance Scheme for crucial personal support, along with wellbeing and lifestyle education delivered through our Wellbe Team, ensuring you feel supported in and out of the workplace.
3. Health is Wealth: We prioritise your health with an annual voluntary health "warrant of fitness," immunisations, and flu vaccinations. Moreover, enjoy annual subsidised vision testing and contributions toward glasses to ensure clear vision.
4. Work-Life Balance: Where possible there is access to flexible work practices. And take advantage of our annual leave, reaching five weeks after three years of service, and 10 days sick leave from starting with us. In addition, take one paid day a year for your personal Wellbeing. We also offer parental leave and partner entitlements to support you during significant life moments.
5. Comprehensive Benefits: We have partnered with providers for discounted Southern Cross medical insurance, periodic vision and hearing tests, and eyewear subsidies. You can also access discounts at a range of retailers via Boost. Gain access to top-notch gear, machinery, PPE, and tools, fostering a safe work environment if you are “on the tools”. We also offer a staff referral bonus paid when a person is recruited for a senior front line position, and we may offer relocation support if you need to move into the district to work here.
6. Professional Growth: Grow your skills with a range of development opportunities. Boosting your personal and work career.
7. Community Connection: You can take one paid day a year to participate in voluntary work on a water-related activity. And maybe join our active Waiata group and be part of a community that works together, sings, and thrives together.
About Wellington Water
Wellington Water is owned by the Hutt, Porirua, Upper Hutt and Wellington city, South Wairarapa District, and the Greater Wellington Regional councils
The work Wellington Water does is vital and rewarding. We’re tangata tiaki for Wellington’s water, and caretakers of our water infrastructure. Every day, we work to ensure that our communities have access to safe, sufficient, reliable and efficient water services. WWL is growing, and opportunities are growing along with it. It’s a transformative time in the industry.
Already working at Wellington Water?
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