Te Tumu Whakarae mo Te Puni Kokiri

2 days ago

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

Te Tumu Whakarae mo Te Puni Kokiri | Secretary for Maori Development and Chief Executive

Te Puni Kokiri | Ministry of Maori Development

Te Puni Kokiri | The Ministry of Maori Development leads policy advice to the Government on Maori development and iwi and Maori relations with the Crown. Te Puni Kokiri delivers on government priorities and advocates for the aspirations of Iwi and Maori by leading public policy, monitoring public service delivery, and promoting initiatives that improve social, economic, and cultural outcomes for Maori.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Te Tumu Whakarae mo Te Puni Kokiri - the Government's principal policy advisor on Maori development and Maori-Crown relationships. They advise on and drive the government's priorities to deliver better results, services and outcomes both for, and alongside Maori. 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 Maori.

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 Maori 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 Maori-Crown partnerships, navigate complex priorities, and influence across Iwi and Maori organisations, and Ministers.

Cultural Expertise: Deep understanding of te ao Maori, 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 mo Te Puni Kokiri must have competency in te reo Maori and demonstrate an ability and understanding of tikanga and matauranga Maori. They will have a clear Maori 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 or email via

Completed applications must be submitted to quoting vacancy reference #131 Secretary for Maori Development and Chief Executive

Applications close on Thursday, 15 January 2026 at 11:59pm.

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