Pou Takawaenga – Te Tauihu
Tribe / Tau Mai
- Lead and strengthen kapa haka development across Te Tauihu
- Build trusted relationships across whānau, hapū, iwi and the rohe
- 12-month fixed term | $120,000 | Nelson/Whakatū-based
Ko wai te Pakihi nei | About the Organisation:
Te Matatini is a kaupapa Māori organisation that celebrates and showcases kapa haka excellence in Aotearoa and around the world. Through high-quality programmes, events and initiatives, Te Matatini strengthens Māori identity, culture and creativity.
Best known for delivering Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival, the pinnacle kapa haka event, Te Matatini also plays a broader leadership role in supporting Māori wellbeing, community connection and cultural expression across Aotearoa and beyond.
Ko te āhua o te tūranga | About the Role
The Pou Takawaenga is the key connection between Te Tauihu and Te Matatini National Office. Working closely with the rohe committee, you will help set the strategic direction for kapa haka development across the region and turn the rohe plan into meaningful action.
This is a dynamic, hands-on role where you will contribute to:
- Developing and delivering the annual plan to progress rohe priorities
- Managing budgets, financial forecasting, milestones and regular reporting
- Coordinating events, activities and kaupapa across Te Tauihu
- Building trusted relationships with kapa haka whānau, hapū, iwi and community partners
- Collaborating with other Pou Takawaenga and the National Office team
You will work remotely while being based in the Nelson/Whakatū area, giving you the flexibility to move across Te Tauihu and stay closely connected to the communities you support. Travel will form part of the role, including attendance at national kaupapa and events.
Mōu | About You
The successful candidate will bring:
- Strong relationships and networks within kapa haka and across the rohe
- Experience delivering plans while managing budgets, timelines and reporting requirements
- Excellent relationship management, communication and engagement skills
- A strong understanding of kapa haka and its value to whānau and communities
- Flexibility and resilience to adapt to changing priorities and a busy rohe programme
You will also bring:
- A foundation level of te reo Māori and an understanding of tikanga Māori
- Confidence working in a kaupapa Māori environment
- A genuine appreciation of te ao Māori, tikanga and Māori values
Why join Te Matatini?
- Support rohe-led growth and strengthen kapa haka across Te Tauihu
- Work alongside an engaged Board, committee and regional network
- Contribute to kaupapa that advances Māori identity, culture and wellbeing
Me tono mai ināianei | Apply Now!
Applications close at midnight on Sunday 5 July 2026.
To find out more, please contact Orissa Plimmer on 027 285 1461 or Russell Spratt on 029 446 3770 for a confidential kōrero.
To apply, you must be a New Zealand citizen or resident or hold a valid visa with the right to work in Aotearoa. We will review applications as they come through, so early applications are encouraged.
We are the landing place where our people can come to rest upon, a safe space. A place where excellence and culture are encouraged and ultimately recognised.
Kia tau ai te mauri tū, te mauri ora ki te katoa. Nau mai, tau mai! Vitality and well-being for all. Welcome, settle here!
