Te Rau Ora Kirikiriroa tari based | Permanent, full-time basis
Lead system-level innovation grounded in te ao Māori
Influence national strategy alongside the Executive Leadership Team
Build and embed a tikanga-informed operating model across the organisation
Te Rau Ora is seeking a Director, Innovations to join its Executive Leadership Team and contribute to the next phase of organisational growth and transformation.
Based in Kirikiriroa, this is a permanent, full-time role with both national scope and strategic depth. The Director works in close partnership with the Chief Executive and Executive colleagues to shape and implement organisational strategy, embed a tikanga-informed operating model, and strengthen an environment where people and kaupapa can flourish.
The Innovations portfolio leads nationally focused programmes that enable whānau-led innovation and improve service delivery outcomes. The Director provides leadership across a cohort of experienced programme leaders, ensuring alignment to organisational priorities while supporting growth, performance and capability.
This is a demanding and influential role, requiring the ability to operate confidently across strategic and operational horizons. The Director will:
Translate organisational intent into clear innovation strategy and delivery outcomes
Lead the development and implementation of a Māori Innovation Strategy aligned to workforce and sector needs
Oversee complex, multi-layered programmes with national reach
Strengthen partnerships across iwi, government and sector stakeholders
Embed consistent ways of working aligned to tikanga and organisational values
This work is varied and often complex, requiring sound judgement, strong prioritisation, and the ability to navigate ambiguity and change.
This role will suit an experienced senior leader with a strong track record in the health sector and a deep understanding of kaupapa Māori approaches.
The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in health service design, delivery, or system transformation, coupled with the ability to think strategically, lead change, and influence at senior levels. A relevant postgraduate qualification is expected, with doctoral-level study advantageous.
They will demonstrate a high level of cultural competence, with strong grounding in te ao Māori, tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the ability to uphold these confidently in practice. Fluency in te reo Māori is valued, or a clear and ongoing commitment to developing this capability.
Equally important is leadership approach. The Director will be known for their ability to build trust, grow capability in others, and maintain a clear sense of direction in complex environments. They will be comfortable leading experienced leaders, fostering collaboration, and maintaining focus on long-term outcomes for whānau.
This is a rare opportunity to contribute at an executive level to the advancement of Māori health and wellbeing, with a strong mandate to shape how innovation is defined and delivered.
The Director, Innovations will play a key role in:
Embedding a new, organisation-wide tikanga-informed operating model
Advancing initiatives that influence the future Māori health workforce and system
Positioning Te Rau Ora as a leader in Indigenous health and wellbeing
It is a role that offers both scale and purpose, requiring thoughtful leadership and a commitment to collective impact.
For leaders ready to contribute at an executive level, lead experienced teams, and shape innovation grounded in kaupapa Māori—this is a significant opportunity. We'd love to hear from you! Click the "Interested? Apply here" button (above or below) to submit your CV and a cover letter. You can find a copy of the position description via this link.👉 PD - Director Innovations_June 2026.pdf
Applications for this role close at 5pm, 15 July 2026.
Please contact Mary Vosarogo, People and Culture Specialist at mary.vosarogo@terauora.com for any queries regarding the advertised vacancy.
Te Rau Ora (originally Te Rau Matatini) is New Zealand’s indigenous Māori organisation providing a range of local and national programmes to improve Māori Health. We have changed our name but not our passion nor our commitment – Strengthening Māori Health & Wellbeing is at the core of what we are doing.
Our new name and look brings us into alignment with our mission, culture and belief to strengthen our people. The name ‘Te Rau Ora’ reflects our unique & inclusive way of capturing and exchanging overall kaupapa of what matters to Māori. We will maintain a commitment to the mental health and addiction sector and want the world to know that we are not just a workforce centre, but rather our overall focus is about the health & wellbeing of Māori.
