Pou Tikanga – Kaitautoko Role
Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa is a kaupapa Māori organisation based on a whānau-first, tikanga-based, wellbeing approach. Our organisation works to a model of care centred around our pou (guiding principles) of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, arohatanga, rangatiratanga, tika and pono. We deliver health and social services across the lifespan and have a team of over 100 people working across Hamilton city and beyond.
About the Role
Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa is seeking two experienced and grounded Pou Tikanga to provide tikanga leadership, guidance, and cultural stewardship across the organisation.
This role holds responsibility for upholding and embedding tikanga, kawa, and reo Māori in a way that is authentic, consistent, and aligned with Te Ao Māori practice. The Pou Tikanga supports kaimahi, leadership, and whanaunga through ceremonial leadership, tikanga advisory, workforce capability development, and culturally informed guidance across both day-to-day mahi and significant organisational kaupapa.
Sitting as a Kaitautoko function within the team, Te Ata Hāpara o Hineruhi, the Pou Tikanga works closely with Team Leads, Kaiwānanga (Executive Managers), and the Tumu Whakarae (CEO) to ensure tikanga is applied correctly, respectfully, and with integrity across all settings.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide tikanga and kawa leadership across formal, informal, and kaupapa-driven settings
- Lead and support pōwhiri, whakatau, poroporoaki, openings, noho marae, and organisational milestones
- Act as a tikanga advisor to services, leadership, and the organisation on culturally appropriate practice
- Uphold the integrity and correct use of te reo Māori across organisational documentation, naming, and communications
- Design and deliver tikanga, reo, and kaupapa components of organisational orientation and workforce development
- Support culturally grounded resolution processes, including tikanga-informed mediation where appropriate
- Build and maintain strong relationships with iwi, hapū, kaumātua, and key cultural stakeholders
- Ensure tikanga is applied with clarity, care, and consistency, aligned with organisational scope and governance
Skills
- Strong tikanga leadership grounded in mātauranga Māori
- Ability to provide clear, calm, and culturally safe guidance in complex or sensitive situations
- High-level communication skills across a range of audiences and settings
- Confidence working alongside leadership while maintaining tikanga integrity
- Ability to support learning and uplift cultural confidence across a diverse workforce
Experience
- Extensive experience working within tikanga Māori environments
- Proven experience providing tikanga advice, leadership, and ceremonial support
- Experience working across organisations, services, or communities in a cultural leadership capacity
- Experience engaging with iwi, hapū, kaumātua, and external cultural partners
Qualifications and Education
- Relevant qualification in te ao Māori, tikanga, or equivalent lived and professional experience
- Level 7 NZQA qualification or higher (or willingness to work towards, if applicable)
- Full New Zealand driver licence and ability to pass Police and relevant vetting requirements
- Full and clean drivers license
Benefits
- Work in a kaupapa Māori organisation rooted in community service and cultural integrity
- Play a key role in shaping and safeguarding organisational tikanga and kaupapa
- Ongoing development and learning opportunities
- Access to medical insurance
- Monthly supervision to support your professional journey
Ready to Join Us?
If you are grounded in tikanga Māori and committed to supporting a whānau-first, tikanga-based wellbeing approach, we would welcome your application. This role offers the opportunity to influence, guide, and uplift tikanga practice across an organisation dedicated to collective wellbeing and integrity.
Join us in making a difference – apply now.
Applications close 30/04/2026.
