Poutiaki Tātou Participation & Practice Lead

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Manurewa – Papakura Local Board team as the Poutiaki Tātou (Participation & Practice Lead). This is a full time, permanent position.

Te Paataka Koorero o Waimaahia is a Hub that seeks to respond to the call of whaanau aspirations to create a place of value and belonging by weaving te ao Maaori through our whare. It is a co-located site, that delivers to community in partnership with Leisure.

The three pou this whare operates under are:

• Pou Maatauranga: An inclusive approach to activate spaces to learn and play.
• Pou Hauora: Whaanau live well, are happy and healthy.
• Pou Ooritetanga: Equitable access to facilities to grow community wellbeing kaupapa.
   

This whare is a bold attempt to indigenise how we create space, how we manage resources, how we build teams, how we listen, how we act, how we serve.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Join us in a unique and meaningful leadership role that weaves te ao Māori across our facilities in the Manurewa – Papakura local boards. We are looking for someone to guide our team and community in building a culture of participation, belonging, and collaboration.

You'll lead indigenous and participatory practice, embedding mātauranga Māori into the day-to-day operations. You’ll activate and grow a support platform for community-led initiatives, empower kaimahi to navigate complex social projects, and uplift the mana of our people through meaningful partnerships.

This is a role that sits at the intersection of leadership, cultural knowledge, and community connection – where you’ll make a real impact on wellbeing, equity, and collective aspiration.

He kōrero mōu: About you

You are a connector, leader, and advocate – confident in te reo Māori and grounded in mātauranga Māori and indigenous practice. You thrive in environments that are people-focused, kaupapa-led and shaped by hononga (relationships).

Ngā āhuatanga kei a koe: What you’ll bring

• Confidence in te reo Māori and grounded in mātauranga Māori and tikanga practices.
• Proven experience leading community projects and mentoring others.
• Strong relationship-building and intercultural communication skills.
• Passionate about co-design, empowering whānau, and uplifting identity.
• Knowledge of local iwi and Tāmaki Makaurau’s cultural landscape, with relevant qualifications or lived experience in community leadership.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

This is a meaningful role where you can lead with purpose and cultural integrity, supported by a team that values both professional and personal growth. You'll have the opportunity to make a real difference for local whānau and hapori, all within a workplace that celebrates manaakitanga, hauora, and inclusivity.

As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. 

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini: My success is not mine alone, but the success of many.

Tono Mai: Apply Now!

Application close: 23 October 2025

To view a copy of the position description, click here.

We are expecting to appoint the successful applicant at a salary of between $73- $86k per annum, depending upon experience.

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement listed. What matters most is your ability to contribute to a purpose-driven environment where diverse experiences are valued. We know that transferable skills can come from experience gained from outside of work.

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer. We serve the diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, educational background, or religious beliefs. We also welcome applications from our Rainbow communities as well as disabled and neurodivergent people. We are committed to making our hiring process accessible to everyone. If you require any support or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Auckland Council is committed to the protection and wellbeing of children.  This role is classified as a Children's Worker role under the Vulnerable Children Act 2014. As such applicants will be required to undergo police vetting prior to commencing employment.  This position is also deemed a safety sensitive position and will require pre-employment drug testing. Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory police check.