Principal Advisor - Māori Governance

Job Description

Principal Advisor – Māori Governance, Institute of Directors

• Champion Māori Governance Excellence
• Nationwide impact
• Newly established role

The Institute of Directors (IoD) is seeking a Principal Advisor – Māori Governance to join their Governance Leadership Centre in a newly established, permanent position in Wellington.

The Institute of Directors

The Institute of Directors (IoD) is the professional body for directors and is at the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s governance community. We believe good governance has the power to positively transform organisations, businesses, and communities for the benefit of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our mission is to support directors to provide value to their organisations and positively shape the future. We do this by connecting them through our 10,500-strong member network, developing and providing governance resources, insights, training and professional development, supporting director and board effectiveness, and leading research, advocacy, and thought leadership to set and improve the standards of governance.

Te aronga o te tūranga | About the role

As Principal Advisor – Māori Governance, you will draw on your in-depth knowledge of governance, te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, and mātauranga Māori, to support the IoD to develop tools, resources and educational programmes designed to strengthen the capability of Māori directors. Your focus will be on promoting effective governance across Māori economic, social, and cultural entities.  You will also contribute to research, advocacy, and policy development, ensuring that Māori perspectives, values and practices inform and enrich IoD’s work.

Working collaboratively with key internal stakeholders, you will be instrumental in fostering and enhancing IoD’s relationships with Māori organisations, iwi, and Māori governors and leaders. This will include establishing a Māori governance advisory network to guide the development of world-class governance services and offerings tailored for Māori audiences.

Mōu ake | About you

You will bring:

• Substantial understanding and experience of Māori governance and its relationship to the broader governance context in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Strong capability and confidence operating in Māori and iwi contexts, including te reo Māori me ōna tikanga.
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles as they apply to governance in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in business, policy, law or similar, and at least 10 years’ professional experience engaging with business, government, and Māori organisations.
• Proven understanding of governance and applied governance experience, with significant experience engaging with Māori organisations and senior leaders and demonstrated ability to lead strategically significant work programmes and achieve outcomes.
• Exceptional writing and research skills, with the ability to develop policies, practices, guidelines, and toolkits for engaging effectively with Māori and improving outcomes for Māori governors and organisations.

Me pēhea te tono | To Apply

For a confidential kōrero, contact: Jane Temel on 021 499 902 or email jane.temel@nicherecruitment.co.nz

View the position description here.

To apply, please submit your cover letter and CV by 9am, Monday 17 November 2025.