Te Puni Kōkiri | The Ministry of Māori Development leads policy advice to the Government on Māori development and iwi and Māori relations with the Crown. Te Puni Kōkiri delivers on government priorities and advocates for the aspirations of Iwi and Māori by leading public policy, monitoring public service delivery, and promoting initiatives that improve social, economic, and cultural outcomes for Māori.
We are seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Te Tumu Whakarae mō Te Puni Kōkiri – the Government’s principal policy advisor on Māori development and Māori-Crown relationships. They advise on and drive the government’s priorities to deliver better results, services and outcomes both for, and alongside Māori. This role requires a visionary and transformational leader who can influence system-wide change, strengthen partnerships, and work across the Public Service to improve its delivery for and with Māori.
We are seeking an inspiring leader that is skilled and experienced in:
System Leadership: The ability to lead and influence change across the Public Service, set clear expectations, and hold agencies accountable for improving Māori outcomes.
Organisational Leadership: Proven experience driving organisational transformation, building capability, and delivering evidence-based solutions that achieve efficiency and impact.
Sector Influence: Credibility and skill to strengthen Māori-Crown partnerships, navigate complex priorities, and influence across Iwi and Māori organisations, and Ministers.
Cultural Expertise: Deep understanding of te ao Māori, and trusted relationships that enable effective engagement and decision-making.
Personal Leadership: Courage, resilience, and the ability to inspire confidence and lead through significant change and transformation.
The next Te Tumu Whakarae mō Te Puni Kōkiri must have competency in te reo Māori and demonstrate an ability and understanding of tikanga and mātauranga Māori. They will have a clear Māori cultural frame of reference, and model tikanga.
More information on the key leadership dimensions of this role can be found in the position description.
If you think you are the right person for this role, an application pack can be downloaded here.
For further information or a confidential discussion about this position, please contact John Bell on 021 599586 or email via johnb@taumata.co.nz
Completed applications must be submitted to applications@taumata.co.nz quoting vacancy reference #131 Secretary for Māori Development and Chief Executive
Applications close on Thursday, 15 January 2026 at 11:59pm.
