Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TWoA) is entering a significant phase of transformation as Te Pae Tawhiti is embedded and the organisation progresses toward its 2030 aspirations. To support this next stage, TWoA is seeking a Paemanu – Strategy and Engagement, a senior leadership role responsible for strengthening the strategic coherence and influence of TWoA.
Reporting to the Pouwhakahaere – Strategy and Transformation, this role leads a team of nine and acts as a key connector between Te Mana Whakahaere, the Executive, iwi partners and teams across the motu. The Paemanu integrates organisational strategy, investment planning, performance insights and national-level positioning.
A central focus is multi-year strategic planning, environmental scanning and drawing insights from financial, HR, TEC, education and market data to guide long-term decision-making. The role also oversees enterprise performance reporting into Te Mana Whakahaere and leads political-style strategic engagement, including government relations, external positioning and elevating the visibility of kaupapa Māori within strategy.
We are seeking an experienced strategic leader who brings confidence, credibility and sound judgement in executive and governance settings. You will be able to think across a multi-year horizon, synthesise complex information and present clear, compelling strategic advice. Political acumen, strong relationship capability and experience engaging with government, iwi and key external stakeholders will be important.
A mature, authentic understanding of kaupapa Māori – and how it informs strategic decision-making – is essential. The successful candidate will partner closely with iwi and internal teams to ensure mātauranga Māori perspectives are embedded throughout planning and performance work. Strong communication skills, particularly in governance forums, are critical, alongside the ability to connect strategy, risk, performance and investment planning in a coherent, future-focused way.
There is a strong preference for the appointee to be based in Waikato.
For more information or to apply, please contact Anastasia Gyson at Hobson Leavy Executive Search: anastasia.gyson@hobsonleavy.com.
Applications close 5pm, Sunday 22 February.
