Kaiwhakahaere / Senior Manager – Te Korowai Ātawhai

Kia Tu Tangata Ai!

At Te Pā, our vision is a

Living, thriving ecology of care that heals, restores and transforms our people.

We are committed to working alongside whānau to disrupt the cycle of intergenerational incarceration and contribute to safer, stronger whānau.

This is not a role where you simply step into an established service and keep it running. You will be leading , recruiting and standing up a brand new service and have the opportunity to build something from the ground up.

We now have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and Kaupapa Māori driven ,  values-led Kaiwhakahaere/Senior Manager to take the lead in establishing and growing a service focused on making a meaningful difference for tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau.

The opportunity

An opportunity to build something that can change the life course trajectory for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau caught up in intergenerational pipelines of disadvantage.

As a Kaiwhakahere/Senior Manager, you will lead the establishment and implementation of a new service, taking it from concept through to delivery. Working within the kaupapa and strategic direction of Te Pā, you will help shape the programme offering, build the foundations for successful delivery, and recruit and lead a brand-new team.

You will provide strategic and operational leadership, build strong relationships with key stakeholders and ensure the service delivers high-quality outcomes while meeting its contractual commitments.

Why this role

There are leadership roles where you inherit what already exists. This is an opportunity to create what comes next.

You will have the chance to influence the design of a new service, build your team, establish the culture and create the foundations from which meaningful outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau can grow.

About you

Our practice is grounded in kaupapa Māori and our values of Manaakitanga, Whakapapa, Wairuatanga, Rangatiratanga, Whanaungatanga and Arohatanga.

We are looking for someone who connects strongly with the kaupapa and wants their leadership and experience to contribute to lasting change, a values-led leader who is comfortable building, leading and doing. You will bring:

• Strong leadership and operational management experience within social services or a related sector e.g Whānau Ora, Oranga Tamariki.
• Experience establishing a new service or programme or leading through significant growth or change.
• Proven experience recruiting, developing and leading teams.
• Strong stakeholder and relationship management capability.
• Experience overseeing contracts, budgets, performance and risk.
• Experience working within a Kaupapa Māori organisation and a commitment to culturally responsive practice.
• Experience working with justice-impacted communities
• Proficiency in Te reo Māori would be advantageous.

If you are an experienced leader who wants your next role to have purpose, challenge and the opportunity to build something meaningful, we would love to hear from you.

Location: This position will be based in Royal Oak

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Applications close:  13th November 2026

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your interest in the role and the experience you would bring to Te Pā. If you require any accommodations’ during the application or interview process, please let us know.  We are committed to providing an inclusive experience for all candidates.