PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Project Manager – Taiao Programmes is responsible for planning, coordinating and delivering Mana Ahuriri’s portfolio of Taiao initiatives. The role provides integrated programme management across multiple environmental kaupapa to ensure high-quality delivery, strong partnerships, robust reporting, and alignment to Mana Ahuriri’s kaitiakitanga responsibilities and Te Ara Whakamua.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT – MANA AHURIRI POU
Pou Taiao (Environmental Wellbeing)
- Leads delivery of mana whenua–driven environmental programmes
- Protects and enhances whenua, wai and moana
- Supports Te Mana o te Wai and marine cultural health outcomes
Pou Tikanga (Culture & Identity)
- Embeds tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori into programme design and delivery
- Upholds mana whenua narratives, values and tikanga
Pou Tangata (People & Whānau)
- Supports hapū, marae and whānau participation in Taiao programmes
- Builds capability through cultural monitoring and community engagement
Pou Ōhanga (Economic & Resource Stewardship)
- Supports funded programmes and sustainable resourcing
- Contributes to long-term environmental assets and value creation
Pou Rangatiratanga (Leadership & Governance)
- Strengthens mana whakahaere through robust reporting and delivery
- Supports statutory and co-governance responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Programme & Project Management
– Develop and maintain integrated programme plans across Taiao initiatives
– Establish project scopes, schedules, milestones, and delivery frameworks
– Track progress, risks, issues, and dependencies
– Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget
Te Muriwai o Te Whanga
– Project manage delivery of the Te Muriwai o Te Whanga Management Plan
– Coordinate work programmes, technical inputs, and cultural assessments
– Support statutory committee operations and reporting
Cultural Monitoring & Marine Cultural Health
– Oversee design, implementation and refinement of cultural monitoring frameworks
– Coordinate marine and freshwater cultural health programmes
– Ensure data collection aligns with Mana Ahuriri data sovereignty principles
Taiao & Freshwater Planning
– Lead or support development of Taiao Management Plans
– Support freshwater strategy, consenting processes, and co-governance initiatives
– Coordinate engagement with councils, agencies, and partners
Funding & Contract Management
– Assist with funding applications and business cases
– Manage contracts, milestones, and reporting requirements
– Monitor budgets in collaboration with GM and Finance
Reporting & Governance
– Prepare regular programme reports for Pou Taiao and GM
– Contribute to Board and Committee reporting
– Maintain accurate records and project documentation
Relationships & Engagement
– Build and maintain strong relationships with hapū, marae, whānau, councils, Crown agencies, researchers and partners
– Represent Mana Ahuriri in project and technical forums where delegated
CAPABILITY & EXPERIENCE
Essential
– Proven experience in project or programme management
– Experience working in environmental, freshwater, marine, or natural resource contexts
– Strong planning, coordination, and reporting capability
– Understanding of Te Ao Māori and tikanga Māori
– Strong relationship management and communication skills
– Full NZ Driver Licence
Desirable
– Experience working with mana whenua or iwi organisations
– Funding application and contract management experience
– Tertiary qualification in environmental management, planning, science, project management, or related field
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
– Values-driven and kaupapa-focused
– Organised and delivery-oriented
– Collaborative and respectful
– Able to work independently and manage multiple priorities
– Culturally competent and mana-enhancing
This is a fixed term position for 2 years.
To apply please send CV and cover letter detailing what you would bring to the role.
Email applications to info@manaahuriri.org