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