Manahautu - General Manager

Ko wai Mātou - Who We Are
At Te Rūnanga o Waihao, we are boldly reimagining how we serve our people and our place. Following a purposeful review of our governance and operations, we are rebuilding with intention – strengthening our foundations so that mana whenua leadership, kaupapa Māori values and intergenerational wellbeing are at the heart of all we do.
  
We are setting a new course. One grounded in rakatirataka, sustained by tikanga and powered by whakapapa. We are enabling place based strategies and long term solutions that uplift our rūnanga, hapū and whānau – now and into the future.
 
Whai wāhi - The Opportunity
We are now seeking an exceptional Manahautū – General Manager to lead the Rūnanga’s strategy, direct day to day operations and work alongside our Board, kaimahi, whānau and partners to turn vision into action.
  
The Manahautū is the engine room of Te Rūnanga o Waihao. This role brings together strategic leadership, operational delivery, governance support, financial oversight, people leadership and trusted relationship management. You will support and report to the Incorporated Society Board, manage a small team and be a visible and credible presence for whānau, the Marae, partners and external stakeholders.
  
Based full-time in Waimate, you will keep the waka moving: implementing strategic priorities, strengthening systems and processes, supporting good governance, managing budgets and compliance, and ensuring Waihao’s activities remain aligned to our cultural values and long term aspirations.
 
He kōrero mōu - About you
Across this role, we are looking for someone who:

• Leads with humility, integrity, courage and care
• Understands and champions tikanga, mana whenua leadership and Māori aspirations
• Can translate strategy into practical action and measurable outcomes
• Has proven experience in strategic leadership, operations and people management
• Brings strong financial literacy, budget management and sound business acumen
• Can work confidently with Boards, prepare high-quality papers, and provide trusted strategic advice
• Builds strong, enduring relationships with whānau, Te Tiriti partners, stakeholders and community networks
• Is comfortable being visible in the takiwā and present at the Marae when appropriate
• Communicates clearly, both written and verbal, and can engage effectively across diverse audiences
• Is proactive, resilient, adaptable and motivated by legacy, whenua and Kaupapa

He aha te take o Waihao? - Why Waihao?
This is a rare opportunity to join a grounded, whānau driven organisation at a transformative moment. You will help shape the next phase of Te Rūnanga o Waihao, strengthening our operations and partnerships while supporting place based strategies and long term solutions that uplift our rūnanga, hapū and whānau.
  
We are not just hiring a General Manager. We are investing in a leader who will help carry our kaupapa forward for generations to come.
 
Me pēhea te tono mai - How to apply
To view the job description and candidate information please follow the links below:
  
Job Description: https://bit.ly/3UxLUuE
Candidate Briefing Document: https://bit.ly/4gvr2eS
  
Please submit your cover letter and CV by clicking on the appropriate 'Apply' button. 
  
For a confidential kōrero you are welcome to contact Nick Hodgson on [021 190 4191](tel:021 190 4191) or Nick Carter on [027 591 3422](tel:027 591 3422).
 
Let’s build something enduring – together.
Te Rūnanga o Waihao – Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei
  
Applications for this role close at 5pm on Wednesday 9 September