Mātanga - Tikanga me Te Reo Māori

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Kia hiwa rā! Kia hiwa rā! 

Kia hiwa rā i tēnei tuku, kia hiwa rā i tērā tuku 

Kia hiwa rā! 

Ngā Mātārae is seeking a Mātanga - Tikanga me Te Reo Māori to provide strategic cultural leadership across Auckland Council Group.

Reporting to the Tumuaki Huanga Māori, you will shape organisational capability in tikanga and te reo Māori and influence how council engages culturally across policy, practice and public interface. This is a senior role operating at executive level, working closely with mana whenua iwi and mātāwaka entities to ensure council’s approach is grounded, credible and culturally robust.

You will be part of the Ngā Mātārae Lead team which includes our Kaumatua for Auckland Council Group, and another Matanga - Tikanga me Te Reo. A key responsibility for this position is stewardship of the Tikanga Taha Wahine portfolio, supporting culturally appropriate engagement across council activity. 

Working at the highest level and across the organisation, you will engage with elected members, executive leaders and staff, providing tikanga support and care for staff in Māori tikanga roles, strengthening understanding, confidence and capability in te reo and tikanga Māori.

This role offers a rare opportunity to help shape how a major public institution honours te ao Māori in practice.

Nga mahi: What you will do

• Provide strategic leadership for the development and implementation of council’s te reo Māori direction
• Offer expert advice to ensure tikanga integrity across organisational activity
• Guide kaupapa Māori teams delivering events and ceremonies grounded in appropriate tikanga, including tikanga taha wahine elements
• Support implementation of Auckland Council’s Māori Outcomes Strategic Framework
• Strengthen relationships with mana whenua and mātāwaka through culturally informed practice
• Build organisational capability by supporting council staff who hold tikanga responsibilities
• Lead the Tikanga Taha Wahine portfolio, ensuring appropriate systems, guidance and support are in place across council

You will also work collaboratively with the Māori Outcome Leads from across the business and establish programmes that grow staff capability in providing tikanga and te reo support within their teams.

For a copy of the position description please click here

He kōrero mōu: About you

We are seeking someone with strong lived experience in the use and delivery of te reo me ona tikanga and a demonstrated ability to operate with credibility across iwi, governance and executive environments. Translation certification is an advantage. 

You will bring:

• Established relationships and networks across mana whenua, mātāwaka and Māori communities
• Strong knowledge of the cultural landscape of Tāmaki Makaurau
• A deep understanding of tikanga Māori, and in particular tikanga taha wahine
• Confidence working within complex organisational environments, including engagement with senior leaders and elected members 

Ideally you will also demonstrate experience in:

• Developing and leading strategic direction for te reo Māori
• Providing cultural leadership in large, complex organisations
• Influencing and communicating effectively with diverse audiences
• Providing cultural guidance and pastoral care and support

O mātou kōrero: About us 

Auckland Council is one of the largest local authorities in the South Pacific providing essential services and facilities to more than 1.5 million people. We are a progressive organisation and work across social, cultural, and environmental and economic priorities to support a thriving Tāmaki Makarau, and becoming a world-class city for our ratepayers, residents an communities.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

In return for your expertise and leadership, you will join a values-driven organisation committed to meaningful impact for Auckland and its people. We offer a flexible and supportive work environment, along with a range of staff benefits including discounted Leisure Centre membership and partnership offers and discounts.

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini.

My success is not mine alone, but the success of many.

Applications close Sunday, 8th March 2026

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.