Māori Cultural Manager
Community Connections
- The position is based in Wellington, with the option to work from home two days a week.
- Part-time role 20 to 30 hours per fortnight
- $90 to $120k pro-rata.
We are seeking a Māori Cultural Manager to lead and continue our journey of Māori cultural competence across Community Connections, strengthening cultural capability, honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and ensuring our organisation reflects the values of respect, connection, and inclusion.
Mō mātou | About us
At Community Connections, we believe everyone deserves to live the life they choose, on their own terms and in their own community. We are a North Island–wide disability support provider, guided by our vision of an inclusive Aotearoa where barriers are removed and every person is valued.
Our mahi is guided by our values — Honour People & Their Stories, Build Capability, Check it’s Right, and Celebrate Diversity, Challenge & Success — together with our commitment to Mana Waiora, which upholds identity, connection, and self-determination. We are grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and dedicated to supporting people with disabilities from all walks of life to live the lives they choose.
Mō te tūnga | About the role
In this role, you will provide leadership, strategic direction, and cultural advice to embed Te Ao Māori perspectives across Community Connections, reporting directly to the CEO. You will lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive Māori cultural strategy aligned with our vision, values, and priorities, while strengthening cultural capability across our diverse workforce through training, guidance, and resources.
A key part of the role is ensuring our policies, processes, and services are culturally responsive and aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, alongside providing leadership on strategic projects and supporting service development. You will also help build strong and respectful relationships with Māori communities and stakeholders, and promote an inclusive organisational culture that reflects Mana Waiora, empowering both our kaimahi and the people we support to live the lives they choose.
This role offers flexibility to be based in either Wellington City or Wider Wellington–Kāpiti.
Mōu | About you
You will be an experienced leader with a deep knowledge of Te Ao Māori, including tikanga, kawa and mātauranga Māori, and a strong commitment to the revitalisation of Te Reo Māori. You bring proven experience working alongside Māori communities, hapū and iwi, and a clear understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it applies within an organisational setting. You are confident in integrating Māori perspectives into strategy, policy, and practice, and skilled at delivering training and guidance that strengthens cultural capability.
As someone who values manaakitanga, inclusion and respect, you are committed to supporting people with disabilities from all walks of life. You are collaborative, influential, and adaptable — able to build trusted relationships, lead change, and inspire others to grow in their cultural confidence.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | What you will bring
Submit your application online and include highlights and examples of how you meet the requirements below:
Essential:
- Proven leadership experience with the ability to influence and inspire.
- Deep knowledge of Te Ao Māori, including tikanga, kawa, and mātauranga Māori.
- A strong commitment to the revitalisation of Te Reo Māori
- Experience working alongside Māori communities, hapū and iwi.
- Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in organisations.
Desirable:
- Previous experience in a senior cultural leadership role.
- Experience in the not-for-profit or social services sector.
- Skills in change management and embedding Māori perspectives into organisations.
- Ability to deliver engaging training and workshops.
- Fluency in Te Reo Māori
- Established networks within Māori and government organisations.
He aha ai mātou | Why join us?
Join a values-led organisation making a real impact. This is a rare opportunity to shape our cultural journey, embed Te Ao Māori, and strengthen inclusion for people with disabilities. We offer a salary of $90,000 – $120,000 pro rata, five weeks’ annual leave pro rata, and the chance to influence strategy at the highest level.
If you would like to learn more about this role or request a role description, please email Yassmin Lomeli at yassmin.lomeli@connections.org.nz.
We will only consider applicants who have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Applicants must be willing to undergo Police and Oranga Tamariki checks, hold a full New Zealand driver’s licence, and be open to occasional travel.
This vacancy will close on Wednesday, 1st of October 2025.
