Executive Director – Te Uru Kahika

Who is Te Uru Kahika?

Te Uru Kahika represents the 16 New Zealand regional and unitary councils. As a collective, Te Uru Kahika – Regional and Unitary Councils Aotearoa works together to apply its expertise and local knowledge for the wellbeing of our environments and communities. The focus of Te Uru Kahika is the integrated management of land, air, and water resources, supporting biodiversity and biosecurity, providing for regional transport services, and building more resilient communities in the face of climate change and natural hazards.

As the Executive Director – Te Uru Kahika, you will be pivotal in providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and accountability for the activities of Te Uru Kahika under our guiding principles. Your leadership will drive the success of our climate adaptation, resource management reforms, and other key initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a dedicated team comprising Directors, Executive Policy Advisors, Sector Administrators, Chief Science and Strategic Advisers.
• Ensure effective relationships with Regional Chief Executives, Mayors, and Key Sector groups.
• Provide advocacy on behalf of Te Uru Kahika with Central Government on key issues through influence.
• Coordinate and lead the activities of Te Uru Kahika, including strategic plan, annual business plan and long-term budgets.
• You will provide a governance-level view of all Te Uru Kahika programmes, ensuring they are aligned to sector priorities and delivering results to the stakeholder groups.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is a proven senior leader, preferably with experience in the regional or government sector
• Brings a strong track record in overseeing large-scale projects and managing diverse teams.
• Has demonstrated commitment to, and understanding of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with a focus on fostering meaningful partnerships and culturally responsive practices
• Has excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills with local council and government, with the ability to use influence to achieve consensus.
• Has the ability to navigate complex challenges and drive innovation in regional development.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of regional development and contribute to meaningful change across multiple councils. You’ll be at the forefront of strategic initiatives, working closely with senior executives and government partners to achieve impactful results.

If you are ready to make a significant impact and lead with vision and expertise, we invite you to apply for the Executive Director – Te Uru Kahika role.

Apply now by submitting your application through the link below. To find out more, please contact Claire Rush on 0277710790 for a confidential chat.