General Manager - Manahautū | Te Rūnanga o Waihao

Type: Permanent

Location:

Description

• Deliver outcomes with an intergenerational purpose
• We’re on a mission – and we need a gamechanger
• South Canterbury Based

Ko wai Mātou - Who We Are

At Te Rūnanga o Waihao, we’re boldly reimagining how we serve our people and our place. Following a purposeful review of our governance and operations, we’re rebuilding with intention – strengthening our foundations so that mana whenua leadership, kaupapa Māori values, and intergenerational wellbeing are at the heart of all we do.

We are setting a new course. One grounded in rakatirataka, sustained by tikanga, and powered by whakapapa. We are enabling place-based strategies and long-term solutions that uplift our rūnanga, hapū and whānau – now and into the future.

Whai wāhi - The Opportunity

We are now seeking an exceptional Manahautū – General Manager to lead the Rūnanga’s strategy, direct day-to-day operations, and work alongside our Board, kaimahi, whānau and partners to turn vision into action.

The Manahautū is the engine room of Te Rūnanga o Waihao. This role brings together strategic leadership, operational delivery, governance support, financial oversight, people leadership and trusted relationship management. You will support and report to the Incorporated Society Board, manage a small team, and be a visible and credible presence for whānau, the Marae, partners and external stakeholders.

Based full-time in Waimate, you will keep the waka moving: implementing strategic priorities, strengthening systems and processes, supporting good governance, managing budgets and compliance, and ensuring Waihao’s activities remain aligned to our cultural values and long-term aspirations.

He kōrero mōu - About you

Across this role, we are looking for someone who:

• Leads with humility, integrity, courage and care
• Understands and champions tikanga, mana whenua leadership and Māori aspirations
• Can translate strategy into practical action and measurable outcomes
• Has proven experience in strategic leadership, operations and people management
• Brings strong financial literacy, budget management and sound business acumen
• Can work confidently with Boards, prepare high-quality papers, and provide trusted strategic advice
• Builds strong, enduring relationships with whānau, Te Tiriti partners, stakeholders and community networks
• Is comfortable being visible in the takiwā and present at the Marae when appropriate
• Communicates clearly, both written and verbal, and can engage effectively across diverse audiences
• Is proactive, resilient, adaptable and motivated by legacy, whenua and Kaupapa

He aha te take o Waihao? - Why Waihao?

This is a rare opportunity to join a grounded, whānau-driven organisation at a transformative moment. You will help shape the next phase of Te Rūnanga o Waihao, strengthening our operations and partnerships while supporting place-based strategies and long-term solutions that uplift our rūnanga, hapū and whānau.

We are not just hiring a General Manager. We are investing in a leader who will help carry our kaupapa forward for generations to come.

Me pēhea te tono mai - How to apply

Please submit your cover letter and CV by emailing [email protected]

For a confidential kōrero you are welcome to contact Nick Hodgson on 021 190 4191 or Nick Carter on 027 591 3422.

Let’s build something enduring – together.

Te Rūnanga o Waihao – Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei.