07th October, 2026
Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive Officer
Taumutu Rūnanga Limited | Ōtautahi, Christchurch
Te Taumutu Rūnanga represents Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki ki Taumutu, whose ancestral home is at Taumutu on the southern shores of Te Waihora. As kaitiaki of the Te Waihora catchment, the hapū holds enduring responsibilities for its whenua, wai, mahinga kai, cultural traditions and the wellbeing of future generations.
Established in 2024, Taumutu Rūnanga Limited leads the operational and strategic work of Te Taumutu Rūnanga across cultural, environmental, social and economic development.
We are seeking an exceptional Tumu Whakarae with the cultural grounding, strategic capability and relationship strength to lead the organisation through its next phase.
Te Angitū | The Opportunity
This is an opportunity to shape and lead an organisation with a broad mandate and significant potential. You will work with the Pou Whakarae and Pou Arataki to translate hapū aspirations into action, strengthen organisational capability and build the partnerships and revenue needed for enduring impact.
As Tumu Whakarae, you will:
- Lead a high-performing, values-led organisation with capable kaimahi, effective systems and sound operational disciplines.
- Translate strategic priorities into coordinated delivery across the cultural, environmental, social and economic aspirations of the hapū.
- Grow sustainable revenue and intergenerational value through partnerships, funding, commercial opportunities and investment activity.
- Represent and advocate for the rūnanga with mana and credibility across whānau, iwi, Crown, local government, philanthropic, research and commercial networks.
- Provide strong stewardship of organisational performance, governance support, financial sustainability, risk and accountability.
Through your mahi, you will help realise the vision of a hapū alive with people, place and purpose at Taumutu.
He Kōrero Mōu Ake | About You
You will be an experienced and highly relational leader who can operate confidently across kaupapa Māori, organisational, community, environmental and commercial settings.
You will bring:
- Executive leadership experience and the ability to translate strategy into meaningful organisational and whānau outcomes.
- Strong cultural competence and experience working with whānau, hapū and iwi while maintaining cultural integrity.
- Proven ability to build trusted and productive relationships across iwi, government, community, philanthropic and commercial sectors.
- Commercial, financial and organisational leadership capability, including revenue generation, governance support and organisational stewardship.
- Exceptional people leadership, communication and influencing skills, supported by sound judgement and integrity.
Above all, you will bring courage, humility and a genuine commitment to serving whānau, hapū and iwi.
Tono Mai | Apply Now
If you are ready to help shape the next chapter for Taumutu Rūnanga Limited and support Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki ki Taumutu to realise its cultural, environmental, social and economic aspirations, we welcome your application.
For a confidential kōrero and a copy of the candidate pack, contact:
Carl Church - 021 166 6441
carl.church@nicherecruitment.co.nz
Applications close on Friday 23 October.
Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive in Canterbury employer: Niche Recruitment
Join a respected Canterbury Chartered Accounting practice that values its employees and fosters a supportive team culture. With competitive remuneration, flexible working arrangements, and clear opportunities for professional development, this role as a Senior Accountant offers the chance to work closely with small to medium-sized businesses, helping them navigate their financial journeys while building trusted relationships. Experience a dynamic work environment where your contributions are valued and your career can flourish.
