Ko wai mātou | About Us
Te Nehenehenui Trust (TNN) is the Post Settlement Governance Entity for Maniapoto, responsible for protecting and growing settlement assets to support the aspirations of Maniapoto whānau, marae and hapū, now and for future generations.
Guided by its long-term strategy, Te Kawau Rukuroa 2050, Te Nehenehenui is focused on strengthening the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of Maniapoto.
The TNN Group comprises Te Nehenehenui Trust, Waihikurangi Trust (the charitable arm) and Ahuahu Group Limited (the commercial arm).
Waihikurangi Trust plays a key role in advancing the social and charitable aspirations of Maniapoto, with a focus on education, health and wellbeing, housing, and whānau, marae and hapū development.
Te āhua o te tūranga | The Opportunity
Waihikurangi Trust is seeking to appoint an Independent Trustee with expertise in Finance, Audit and Risk to contribute to its governance, financial oversight and long-term sustainability.
Working alongside fellow Trustees, the successful appointee will bring independent judgement, commercial acumen and specialist expertise to support sound decision-making and the effective stewardship of Trust assets and resources.
Key areas of contribution will include:
- Providing independent oversight of financial performance, reporting, budgets and long-term financial planning.
- Strengthening financial governance, audit, risk management and assurance practices.
- Supporting investment oversight and the assessment of significant funding and investment proposals.
- Ensuring appropriate accountability, compliance and internal control frameworks are in place.
- Contributing to strategic discussions and decisions that support the Trust’s charitable purpose and long-term sustainability.
- Bringing constructive challenge, independent thinking and sound professional judgement to Board deliberations.
- Supporting the effective allocation of resources to deliver meaningful outcomes for Maniapoto whānau, marae and hapū.
This is an opportunity to apply your professional expertise within a kaupapa Māori organisation, helping ensure the Trust is well governed, financially sustainable and positioned to deliver on the long-term aspirations of Maniapoto.
The appointment is for a term of up to three years, with the Trust normally meeting monthly.
Ngā wheako me ngā pūkenga | Experience & Expertise
We are seeking an experienced professional who brings strong financial and commercial judgement, a sound understanding of governance responsibilities and the ability to contribute effectively at Board level.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Senior-level expertise in finance, accounting, audit, risk management or investment oversight.
- Strong financial literacy, with the ability to interpret financial information, assess investment proposals and provide informed strategic advice.
- An understanding of governance, risk and assurance frameworks, including financial controls and regulatory obligations.
- Experience contributing to Boards, committees or other governance forums, or the capability to transition into a governance appointment.
- Sound judgement, independence of thought and the confidence to provide constructive challenge.
- An appreciation of kaupapa Māori, tikanga and the responsibilities associated with stewardship of iwi assets.
Experience within charitable trusts, iwi organisations, Post Settlement Governance Entities or the wider not-for-profit sector would be advantageous, although is not essential.
A Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ), CPA or equivalent professional qualification would be highly regarded.
Me pēhea te tono | How to Apply
This appointment is being managed by Hobson Leavy Executive Search.
For a confidential conversation, please contact Rachelle Russell or Anastasia Gyson at anastasia.gyson@hobsonleavy.com.
Applications should include a CV and cover letter outlining relevant professional and governance experience, along with an understanding of, or connection to, the kaupapa and aspirations of Maniapoto and Te Nehenehenui.
Applications close 5pm Sunday 15th November 2026.
