Māori Board Member
Community Law South Auckland
Community Law South Auckland
Māori Board Member Role Description
Location: South Auckland, New Zealand
Commitment: Bi-monthly Board Meetings, Attendance at National Body Caucus hui.
Term: 3 Years
Reports to: Chair of the Board
Overview
Community Law South Auckland seeks a passionate and experienced individual to join its Board as a Māori Board Member. This role is integral in ensuring the organisation's commitment to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi including the National Body of Law Centres adoption of a two-house model. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori, and Māori perspectives on justice while contributing to the governance and strategic direction of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Governance and Leadership: Participate in board meetings and contribute to the overall governance and strategic direction of Community Law South Auckland, ensuring decisions align with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and benefit Māori communities.
- Cultural Advocacy: Advocate for the needs, rights, and perspectives of Māori clients and communities. Provide cultural insight and leadership to ensure the organization delivers services that are culturally appropriate and effective.
- Mātauranga Māori Integration: Ensure the integration of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and tikanga Māori (Māori customs) into policies, practices, and the delivery of services.
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Uphold and promote the principles of partnership, protection, and participation as outlined in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring the organization remains responsive to the needs of Māori communities.
- Community Engagement: Maintain and foster relationships with local iwi, hapū, mātā waka and Māori groups, ensuring the voice of the community is heard in the board's decision-making processes.
- Risk and Compliance: Assist in overseeing the organisation's compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical obligations, with a focus on Māori clients and the community.
Key Attributes
- Tikanga Māori Knowledge: Strong knowledge and understanding of tikanga Māori and its application in community settings.
- Community Focus: A deep commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of Māori within the legal system and broader community.
- Governance Experience: Experience in governance, policy development, or leadership within a not-for-profit or community-focused organisation.
- Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi: A clear understanding of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how they apply to community law services.
- Collaborative Leadership: Ability to work collaboratively with other board members and the management team, providing guidance and support from a Māori perspective.
- Communication Skills: Strong communication skills, particularly in engaging with Māori communities and representing their views within the board.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working within Māori communities or Māori-led organisations, particularly in South Auckland.
- Experience in the legal sector or a deep understanding of the barriers Māori face in accessing justice.
- Proficiency in te reo Māori preferred, or a desire to intensively learn, which we can fund.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role, with a focus on their governance experience, cultural expertise, and commitment to supporting Māori communities in South Auckland.
Please send your expression of interest to robyn.martin@clsstlaw.com and cc wipere.mita@clsstlaw.com
Community Law South Auckland is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion and strongly encourages applications from individuals with lived experience within Māori communities.
