Pou Whirinaki | Executive Assistant

Pāoa ki uta, Pāoa ki tai, Ngāti Pāoa ki tua o te pae o Matariki

Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust | Tāmaki Makaurau

Fixed term, 12 months | Full time | Hybrid role - based in our Mauinaina, Panmure office with ability to work remotely, two days a week.

Ko wai mātou | About us

Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust (NPIT) is the post-settlement governance entity for Ngāti Pāoa, a waka people of the coasts and seas grounded in the whakapapa of ngā wai o Tīkapakapa Moana. NPIT plays a vital role in representing and advancing the development of Ngāti Pāoa, supporting our iwi’s cultural, financial and social aspirations across the rohe.

Ngāti Pāoa entered a new chapter as a newly settled iwi when our Treaty settlement took effect on 4 March 2026, the same date our tūpuna signed Te Tiriti at Karaka Bay in 1840. This moment marks our transition from grievance to regeneration, and from redress to rebuilding our collective future as descendants of Ngāti Pāoa, as set out in our long-term strategy, Te Huanui Taurikura.

Why this mahi matters

The Amokura (Chief Executive) leads the delivery of Te Huanui Taurikura, our 150 year strategy, on behalf of the Board and our people. This is a busy, high-trust office that needs a steady hand to keep it moving well.

This is the role that advises the Amokura and protects her time, energy and focus. You will make sure she is well prepared, that operational noise is absorbed before it reaches her, and that she has the head space to lead on the things that matter most for our people. Alongside that, you will keep events, HR, IT and administration across the organisation running smoothly. If you are the person who sees what is coming before anyone asks, this is your kind of mahi.

What you’ll do

• Act as a trusted adviser and sounding board to the Amokura, providing context, options and early warning on matters coming toward the office.
• Screen and filter demands on the Amokura, exercising judgement on what requires the Amokura personally, what can be redirected to kaimahi, and what can be resolved by this role.
• Protect blocks of thinking, planning and preparation time in the Amokura’s week so that strategic work is not displaced by operational demand.
• Draft and proofread letters, papers and presentations to a high standard.
• Track the Amokura’s commitments, deadlines and obligations, including funder, Crown and statutory reporting dates, and follow up on actions until they are closed out.
• Own and protect the Amokura’s email, diary, travel and hui logistics across the rohe.
• Coordinate events, hui and wānanga across the organisation, end to end.
• Provide HR administration, IT coordination and general administration support across the Trust.
• Take on other projects as determined by the Amokura.
• Keep records and sensitive information accurate, secure and easy to find.
• Be the welcoming first point of contact for uri, kaimahi and manuwhiri.

What you’ll bring

• Proven executive assistant or senior administration experience.
• Outstanding organisation, prioritisation and follow-through, and the judgement to advise and to filter.
• Strong writing and proofreading, and confidence across Microsoft Office and Google.
• Absolute discretion with confidential information.
• Beginner level or higher te reo Māori, with confident pronunciation, and comfort working in kaupapa Māori settings.
• A calm, warm, professional manner and genuine manaakitanga.

Ō mātou uara | Our values

Kia tika, kia pono, kia aroha ki ngā mea katoa, we act with honesty, integrity and care for all things.

Me pēhea te tono | How to apply

Send your CV and a cover letter telling us why this kaupapa matters to you via Seek. A full job description and confidential kōrero is available on request, please email [email protected].

Applications close 5pm Friday 11 September. Applicants must have the right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust is the post-settlement governance entity for Ngāti Pāoa, representing and advancing the cultural, financial and social aspirations of our people across the rohe. Learn more at www.paoa.co.nz.