Senior Advisor Māori Participation

He angitūtanga: The opportunity 
  
We’re looking for a Senior Advisor Māori Participation to join the Māori Service Innovation team and help shape services that are more relevant, accessible, and meaningful for whānau Māori and Māori communities. This role is less about traditional partnership management and more about innovation — working with local area teams to strengthen Māori participation, elevate what already exists, and design better ways for our services, spaces, programmes, and opportunities to respond to Māori aspirations. You’ll provide practical advice, support and guidance that helps build capability across the department, enabling teams to develop high-trust relationships with mana whenua, mātāwaka, Māori communities, and kaupapa Māori organisations, while ensuring mātauranga Māori and tikanga are embedded in how we work. 

 
  
What you can expect to work on includes: 

• Driving best-practice Māori engagement, participation, and decision-making approaches that support innovation, co-design, and mana-enhancing ways of working. 

• Providing quality advice on mana whenua and mātāwaka engagement, Māori outcomes planning, and local board work programmes. 

• Championing Tāmaki Ora Strategic framework as our Māori Outcomes approach 

• Supporting teams to develop programmes, activities, communications, digital content, and service improvements that are more accessible, welcoming, and relevant for whānau Māori and Māori communities. 

Click this link to access the Position Description 
  
He kōrero mōu: About you 
 

This role calls for someone who brings a strong grounding in mātauranga Māori, te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, and can confidently work across multiple knowledge systems. You’ll be valued for your ability to cultivate high-trust, mana-enhancing relationships with mana whenua, Māori communities, kaupapa Māori organisations, and whānau Māori, while also moving comfortably across community settings, leadership spaces, and internal council environments. Strong strategic thinking, service innovation, facilitation, co-design, and cross-cultural competency are key, alongside the ability to work across multiple programmes, analyse data and evidence, and translate insights into practical improvements that make services more relevant and accessible for whānau Māori. You’ll also bring the confidence to contribute to conversations with diverse stakeholders, provide constructive and mana-enhancing feedback, and collaborate across teams to keep Māori aspirations central to the work. 

To be successful in this role, you will bring: 

• High proficiency in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, with the ability to use te reo Māori confidently in emails, meetings, and conversations. 

• Strong political acumen and understanding of local government, mana whenua relationships, and how to work effectively with leadership entities and diverse stakeholders. 

• A diploma or qualification in mātauranga Māori, Māori studies, community development, public policy, or a related field. 

• At least 5 years’ experience engaging with Māori communities, kaupapa Māori organisations, or whānau Māori, ideally across multiple work programmes that deliver cultural, community, social, or service innovation outcomes. 

  
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer 
  
Auckland Council is one of the largest local authorities in the South Pacific, providing essential services and facilities to more than 1.5 million people. We are committed to environmental action and delivering a transformational shift for Māori living in Tāmaki Makaurau. 
  
In return for your hard work, you can expect a flexible and supportive work environment and lots of opportunities for growth and development. You’ll work with a team of remarkable and talented professionals who have a passion for hāpori Māori. On top of this, as part of our Auckland Council Group, you will gain access to many benefits and discounts. Click link to find out more about our employee benefits package. 
   

 If you have any questions about this role, please email me [email protected] 
   
Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!
Applications close Wednesday 24 June 2026 

#workingforauckland  

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.