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Moo maatou | About us

Waikato-Tainui is a tribal organisation responsible for developing and implementing initiatives which improve iwi outcomes in the areas of education and training, employment, tribal preservation, marae development, health and wellbeing, environmental and resource management.

We exist to continually build the foundations which support every tribal member to exercise their mana motuhake and grow their confidence and capacity to shape and create their own prosperous future.

Mokopuna Ora is a kaupapa Maaori strengths-based and whaanau-led model of care. We work to ensure whaanau and hapuu can be actively involved in decision-making on how their mokopuna can remain safely in their care, while reducing the number of Waikato iwi mokopuna entering and remaining in the care and protection system. In situations where mokopuna are unable to be cared for by their whaanau, hapuu, or iwi, we support their connection to their whakapapa and cultural identity.

Mokopuna Ora is at a watershed moment, Oranga Tamariki is seeking to devolve its statutory functions to the community. In response we are entering a period of discovery, feasibility and service design where we will focus on developing our own indigenous care and protection model. We are seeking an experienced, values‑driven Transformation Readiness & Implementation Manager to help lead this journey.

Moo te tuunga | About the role

This is a senior leadership role for someone who can hold long‑term intergenerational vision while enabling practical, sustained change. You will support Mokopuna Ora to design, implement and embed a Waikato‑led, whaanau‑centred care and protection model grounded in tikanga, maatauranga Maaori and mana motuhake.

Reporting to the Programme Director – Mokopuna Ora, you will lead a multidisciplinary team and work closely with whaanau, iwi, kaimahi, leaders and partners to ensure transformation is understood, owned and sustained across services and the wider system.

In this role you will:

Lead the design and staged implementation of service models that reflect tikanga, Waikato‑Tainui maatauranga, the Mokopuna Ora Cultural Practice Framework - Ki Tua o Ngaa Mokopuna and Whakatupuranga 2050
Anticipate system, policy and legislative shifts and translate them into clear, achievable transformation priorities
Lead, coach and grow a multidisciplinary transformation team
Ensure change initiatives are phased, well‑paced, resourced and embedded into everyday practice
Collaborate with kaimahi, whaanau, iwi, communities and external agencies to improve and co‑design services that are trusted and make a positive difference for whaanau and mokopuna
Embed evaluation, learning and evidence‑informed practice into transformation activity
Tell the story of change through meaningful reporting, communications and learning narratives
Strengthen organisational capability, confidence and resilience through change
Uphold cultural integrity, tikanga and the mana of Waikato‑Tainui across all transformation work

Ngaa puumanawatanga oou | What you will bring

Exceptional listening skills and the ability to operate within Ki Tua o Ngaku Mokopuna is fundamental
A deep understanding of Te Ao Maaori principles
Proven experience in the design and successful implementation of complex transformation or change programmes in social services, health, community, public sector or iwi/Maaori‑led organisations
Strong people leadership experience with multidisciplinary teams and partner agencies
Confidence navigating ambiguity, complexity and system change
Excellent relationship‑building and communication skills across diverse settings
Sound understanding of data, evaluation and storytelling for impact

A sound understanding of working within kaupapa Maaori/Iwi led, or public sector environments will also be highly valued.

Noou te rourou | What’s in it for you

In return, you will be part of a values-led organisation with a strong sense of purpose, where your thinking and expertise directly contribute to shaping system outcomes for future generations.

For a confidential conversation please contact Julie Runciman at Sagely on 021 456 053 or apply online.

Please note that CVs should be in MS-Word format where possible. Also, you must maintain a clear Ministry of Justice record and already hold an NZ Passport or valid working visa to be considered for this role.

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Transformation Readiness and Implementation Manager - Mokopuna Ora