This position sits within the Partnerships, Communications and Maaori Group.

Tika means ‘right’, the right way of doing things. Our group is about partnerships and engagement and connecting with Maaori and our diverse communities in a way that is tika.

Amorangi means to lead or demonstrate leadership. Our Amorangi Maaori unit provides leadership and advice on matters relating to Maaori. It provides expert cultural advice and guidance to elected members, Maangai Maaori and staff on matters that relate to Maaori in accordance with the Treaty of Waitangi, the Local Government Act, the Resource Management Act, both the 1995 and 2009 Waikato Tainui Raupatu Settlement Acts and other pieces of legislation, as well as leading delivery of the Council strategy He Pou Manawa Ora – Pillars of Wellbeing.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Reporting to the General Manager – Partnerships, Communication and Maaori, you’ll lead the team responsible for Council’s relationships and engagement with iwi, mana whenua, maataawaka and the wider Maaori community. You’ll provide senior-level cultural and strategic advice, apply maatauranga Maaori to decision-making, and help Council meet its responsibilities to Maaori across key legislation and commitments.

This is a highly visible, front-facing leadership role—working across Council and with elected members—requiring strong political acumen, calm leadership in complex situations, and the ability to build and maintain trust in high-stakes environments.

Your day‑to‑day mahi will involve:

Te Ao Maaori leadership

• Lead implementation of Council’s maatauranga Maaori framework.
• Lead cultural expectations and ensure cultural support is available for key events and activities, including events significant to Maaori in Hamilton city.
• Promote Council’s direction and delivery on He Pou Manawa Ora strategy.

Relationships and communications

• Lead relationships with Waikato-Tainui, mana whenua and Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa, and support engagement with the Office of the Maaori Queen alongside Council’s Kaumaatua.
• Provide negotiation, facilitation and dispute resolution support across iwi, mana whenua, maataawaka and internal stakeholders.
• Lead high-level communications on culturally significant issues, including risk management, media sensitivity and crisis communications, with clear reporting to senior leaders.
• Support the co-governance relationship for Hamilton City in the Waikato-Tainui Hamilton City Council Co-Governance Forum.

Leading cultural capability development across Council

• Lead staff initiatives including te reo Maaori training, and the planning and delivery of commemorations and activities recognising significant Maaori events and kaupapa.
• Promote and develop the cultural capability and capacity of elected members and staff.
• Deliver the He Pou Manawa Ora Strategy action plan and report on progress and outcomes.
• Embed engagement processes and competencies with iwi, mana whenua and maataawaka into the way we work.
• Lead the development, review and performance reporting on He Pou Manawa Ora and other key documents and provide high-level cultural advice to the Mayor and elected members on significant issues.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• Strong knowledge of Waikato-Tainui, maataawaka and mana whenua in the rohe.
• At least 10 years’ experience working with Maaori organisations and public sector processes.
• Strong knowledge of te ao Maaori and local/central government operating environment.
• At least five years people leadership experience.
• Knowledge of relevant national and local legislation affecting Council operations and relationships with Maaori.
• Able to operate independently (demonstrate impartiality).
• Articulate and confident communicating in both te reo Maaori and English.
• Proven experience providing direct cultural support to politicians and/or senior executives.
• Highly credible front-facing presence for hui and high-stakes meetings; strong political nous and reputational risk management capability.
• Tertiary qualification in a relevant field
• Issues management and communications experience (briefings, key messages/Q&A, advising communications/media teams).

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Salary Circa $173,000 dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the position description.

Apply via our careers site with your CV and a cover letter outlining your fit for the role. For a confidential koorero about the position, contact our Recruitment team on [email protected].

Applications close on the: 23/04/2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.