Pro Bono Advisor (Tikanga Lore),
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Tiaki Taonga Trust - Wai 262 Flora and Fauna

Pro Bono Advisor (Tikanga Lore)

  • Posted Today
  • Remote
  • Volunteer
Estimated Time Required

16 Hours /wk

Job Description

Accountable To: Trust Office and Human Resource Management

Location: Remote – Online (Volunteer)

Days and Hours: 16 hours/ week


Purpose of the Role


The Pro Bono Advisor (Tikanga Lore) provides independent advisory services to ensure that all Trust decisions, policies, legal submissions, and governance structures are aligned with Tikanga Māori (customary law), Wairua (spiritual principles), and the Pou (pillars) of He Whakaputanga 1835, Te Tiriti o Waitangi 1840, and Tino Rangatiratanga. The role ensures that Māori customary law, values, and obligations to whenua, wai, and taonga are embedded across all aspects of the Trust’s kaupapa.


Key Responsibilities


Tikanga & Lore Guidance


  • Provide specialist advice on Tikanga Māori principles and customary law.
  • Ensure that Trust decisions reflect the mana, integrity, and obligations of Hapū Rangatira.
  • Maintain tikanga-based protocols for Trust meetings, correspondence, and decision-making.


Governance & Decision-Making


  • Support the Trust in aligning legal, financial, and governance matters with Tikanga Lore.
  • Offer cultural and tikanga perspectives in trustee appointments, dispute resolution, and policy development.
  • Ensure tikanga is applied consistently across Trust operations and engagements.


Advisory in Legal and Policy Matters


  • Work alongside pro bono legal teams (constitutional, environmental, Māori land, and intellectual property law specialists).
  • Interpret where Tikanga Lore intersects with He Whakaputanga, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, domestic legislation, and international law.
  • Provide cultural framing for submissions to the Waitangi Tribunal, Māori Land Court, and global bodies.


Advocacy & Representation


  • Represent Tikanga perspectives in hui, wānanga, and engagements with whānau, hapū and iwi.
  • Ensure Māori voices, customs, and ancestral obligations are upheld in partnerships, and diplomatic relations.


Education & Knowledge Transfer


  • Support intergenerational knowledge transfer of tikanga and customary law.
  • Mentor rangatahi and emerging Māori leaders in tikanga-based governance.
  • Provide guidance on integrating Te Reo Māori, karakia, and kawa into Trust protocols.


Key Relationships


  • Internal: Chairperson, Trustees, Policy Research Analysts and other pro bono legal advisors.
  • External: Hapū and Iwi Rangatira, Māori Land Court, Waitangi Tribunal, NGOs, government agencies, and international Indigenous networks.


Skills & Experience


Essential


  • Deep knowledge and lived practice of Tikanga Māori and Māori Lore.
  • Recognised standing within hapū/iwi or as a cultural authority.
  • Proven experience in applying tikanga within governance, dispute resolution, or legal/policy contexts.
  • Understanding of He Whakaputanga 1835, Te Tiriti o Waitangi 1840, and Tino Rangatiratanga.
  • Strong communication and advocacy skills, both in Te Reo Māori and English.


Desirable


  • Previous advisory experience within a Trust, hapū, iwi, or Māori Organisation.
  • Familiarity with the Wai 262 flora and fauna claim and Māori intellectual property rights.
  • Knowledge of international Indigenous rights frameworks (e.g., UNDRIP, Law of Nations).
  • Experience liaising with government agencies, NGOs, or international legal institutions.


Commitment


  • Pro bono, with flexible hours based on kaupapa requirements.
  • Attendance at key hui, hearings, and wānanga when possible.
  • Willingness to provide advice via email, Zoom, or other secure platforms.


Upholding the Pou (Foundations)


  • He Wakaputanga 1835 (Declaration of Independence): Affirming Māori sovereignty and Hapū Rangatiratanga.
  • Te Tiriti o Waitangi 1840: Protecting Māori rights, tino rangatiratanga, and partnership obligations.
  • Tino Rangatiratanga: Ensuring Māori self-determination, authority, and guardianship of whenua, wai, taonga, and tikanga


Work Scope & Step-by-Step Task List


  • Attend initial induction hui with the Chairperson and Trustees to confirm tikanga protocols.
  • Review all existing Trust policies, submissions, and governance frameworks for tikanga alignment.
  • Provide fortnightly or monthly tikanga advisory reports (written or verbal) to the Trustees.
  • Support the preparation of submissions to the Māori Land Court, Waitangi Tribunal, or ICJ by embedding tikanga perspectives.
  • Offer guidance during trustee meetings on tikanga-based dispute resolution.
  • Lead or co-lead wānanga for Trustees and rangatahi on tikanga, kawa, and customary obligations.
  • Ensure tikanga protocols are integrated into official correspondence, ceremonies, and public engagements.
  • Provide cultural risk assessments for funding applications and partnerships.
  • Mentor rangatahi (youth) and emerging advisors on tikanga-based governance structures.
  • Maintain ongoing relationship with hapū rangatira to ensure the Trust reflects collective mana and authority.


Equal Employment Opportunity


Tiaki Taonga Trust Wai 262 is an equal opportunity organisation. All qualified persons, regardless of ethnic origin, gender, age, or belief, who meet the citizenship and residency requirements are encouraged to apply.


Note: All applicants must reside in New Zealand.


How to Apply


Please submit your updated CV, cover letter, contact details of two referees (one professional and one personal), and a copy of your New Zealand visa (if applicable) to the designated application email: trusthumanresource@tiakitaongatrust.co.nz

Desired Hard Skills

  • Cultural Assessment
  • Customary Law
  • Governance Advisory
  • Policy Development
  • Tikanga Māori

Desired Soft Skills

  • Advocacy
  • Communication
  • Cultural Leadership
  • Mentoring
  • Relationship Building

Benefits & Perks

  • ⏰ Flexible Work

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