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Kaitohutohu Māori

Kaitohutohu Māori

A Kaitohutohu Māori plays a pivotal role in helping organisations uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. A primary responsibility is advising on and developing how an agency and its clients engage with Māori communities, both internally and externally.

 

By forging strong relationships, you create a foundation for mutual understanding and collaboration, while actively promoting and enhancing Māori participation in decision-making processes.

 

This role has the unique privilege of supporting the engagement and upliftment of te ao Māori (the Māori world) and te reo Māori (the Māori language) within the agency itself. In an agency, a Kaitohutohu Māori creates strategies or plans that celebrate Māori culture and promote cultural understanding and appreciation.

Great skills to have as a Kaitohutohu Māori

A deep understanding of or passion for te ao Māori, te reo Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Strong cultural competency, with a natural consideration for Tikanga, protocols, and values.
A love for building relationships and interacting with people.
Excellent communication and mentoring skills.
Highly adaptable and willing to apply your skills across a wide range of needs.

See what it's like...

Kātene Durie-Doherty

Kaitaunaki Māori at Motion Sickness

Ripped denim

"Authentic is the minimum requirement, not a strategy."

Pathway to becoming a Kaitohutohu Māori

This role suits someone with a deep commitment to Māori culture, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, manaakitanga and whakawhanaungatanga, and who wants to bring those values into their everyday work.

Your background can be broad, and all of that knowledge can contribute to your work. It does not necessarily need to come from tertiary study. Experience and learning gained in other industries, businesses and roles can also be valuable.

These roles are relatively new to the industry, so pathways are not always clearly defined and opportunities may not always be advertised.

Highlight the experience and perspective you would bring to the role, along with your ability to create a positive impact. Use your relationships and connections, reach out directly to organisations you would like to join, let people know you are interested in this work and remain open to advice.

Boardroom

Career progression

Because this role can span different parts of an agency, experience in other agency roles may be valuable. Build your understanding of relationship building, strategy, agency processes and how effective advertising is developed.

 

Progression will depend on the depth of your cultural and industry experience, the relationships you build and the needs of the organisation. Over time, the role may grow into broader strategic, advisory or cultural leadership responsibilities.