Project Manager Māori Relationships

Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand is the national charity dedicated to preventing stroke and improving lives. For over 45 years we have worked alongside stroke survivors and their whānau, grounded in community, expert knowledge, and hope.

At the heart of our mahi is Te Ahi Tūmanako – the flame of hope. It represents action, advocacy, and our commitment to equity and wellbeing for all.

We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a founding document and to Māori partnership, leadership, and tino rangatiratanga in how we work.

About the role

We are seeking a Project Manager – Māori Relationships to join our Māori Partnerships team. This is a Māori‑identified, kaupapa‑driven role focused on building trusted relationships with iwi, hapū, marae, and kaupapa Māori organisations, and leading Māori‑centred projects that improve outcomes for Māori and whānau affected by stroke.

Reporting to the GM Māori Partnerships / Pou Whakahaere, this role gives practical effect to Te Ara Whakatika – Stroke Aotearoa’s Te Tiriti‑aligned framework for how we lead, plan, and deliver our mahi.

This role supports kaupapa across stroke prevention and awareness, whānau‑centred recovery and life after stroke, advocacy, and organisational cultural capability.

Key responsibilities

• Build, maintain, and grow trusted relationships with iwi, hapū, marae, Māori health providers, and kaupapa Māori organisations


• Lead the co‑design, delivery, and evaluation of Māori‑centred, Tiriti‑aligned projects


• Ensure whānau voice and lived experience are embedded throughout project planning, delivery, and reporting


• Develop clear project plans, budgets, milestones, and Māori‑informed measures of success


• Support the implementation of Te Ara Whakatika across projects and ways of working


• Provide kaupapa Māori and Te Tiriti‑informed advice internally as required


• Prepare clear, strengths‑based reports for leadership, Board, funders, and Māori partners

About you

You are relational, principled, and confident working within Māori communities and complex environments. You bring cultural integrity and a strong commitment to equity and system change.

You will have:

• Demonstrated experience working with Māori communities, iwi, hapū, marae, or kaupapa Māori organisations


• A strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and kaupapa Māori approaches in practice


• Experience leading or coordinating community‑based or social impact projects


• Proven relationship‑building capability grounded in trust, respect, and reciprocity


• Strong communication, facilitation, and reporting skills


• Ability to work independently while contributing to collective leadership

Te reo Māori is valued but not required. Cultural humility, tikanga awareness, and a commitment to ongoing learning are essential.

Why join Stroke Aotearoa

• Be part of a values‑led organisation committed to equity and Māori partnership


• Lead kaupapa Māori with real impact for whānau and communities


• Work alongside a supportive, relational, and purpose‑driven team


• Contribute to a long‑term vision of a Stroke‑free Aotearoa

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter outlining your experience working with Māori communities and why this kaupapa resonates with you.

This advert will close on the 17th of June 2026 at 9am