Paemanu (Director) – Legal, Risk & Compliance

Mō mātou | About us

As a proudly kaupapa Māori tertiary educator, ‘tauira success’ is our mission and ‘whānau transformation through education’ is our vision, guiding our commitment to delivering quality education programmes underpinned by Māori culture and values.

Our kaimahi (employees) enjoy a whānau-friendly workplace and a great range of benefits to support their wellbeing and that of their whānau:

• Free Southern Cross health insurance and life insurance.
• Four extra leave days each year to celebrate Matariki and Christmas, plus special leave available for those involved in cultural or sporting events.
• Flexible work hours for non-rostered positions and work-from-home options for positions that can be performed away from the office.
• Free car parking at our main campuses.

Mō tēnei mahi | About this job

Let’s be upfront: this is a big job. The kind of role that requires someone who doesn’t just manage complexity — they thrive in it. We’re searching for a senior legal leader who can hold the line, see around corners, and keep a large, kaupapa‑driven organisation steady, safe, and future‑focused.

As our Paemanu (Director) – Legal, Risk & Compliance, you’ll lead all legal services, compliance frameworks, risk systems, internal audit functions, policy governance, investigations, litigation oversight, and more.

This is a pivotal, high‑influence role at the heart of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. You’ll provide authoritative legal judgement, strategic risk insight, robust governance advice, and cultural intelligence to ensure we operate with integrity, transparency, and unwavering accountability.

You’ll also:

• Oversee enterprise‑wide legal risk and statutory interpretation
• Lead the organisational risk management framework
• Ensure compliance with TEC, NZQA, Employment and other legislation
• Direct complex investigations and litigation
• Shape and embed our national policy framework
• Support governance bodies with clear, strategic legal advice
• Mentor and grow the next generation of leaders
• Represent the organisation externally at the highest levels
• Champion Te Kaupapa Matua, tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti principles in all decision‑making

If you’re energised by meaningful impact, system‑level influence, and protecting a taonga of Aotearoa’s tertiary landscape — we’d love to meet you.

Mōu | About you

By now, you’ve probably guessed we’re looking for someone exceptional.

You will bring:

• A Master’s or Post‑Graduate Degree in Law (LLB)
• A current NZLS Practising Certificate
• 10+ years’ senior legal experience, ideally including in‑house or public sector leadership
• Deep capability in risk, compliance, governance and legislative interpretation
• Proven experience navigating complex litigation, investigations, and complaints
• Strong understanding of NZ regulatory systems (education, employment, public law)
• Confidence advising governance boards and risk/audit committees
• Ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable guidance
• A willingness and commitment to grow your capability in tikanga Māori, Te Reo Māori, and kaupapa‑based practice

You are calm under pressure, strategic in your thinking, influential in your communication, and courageous when it matters most. You lead with integrity, humility, cultural respect, and a relentless focus on doing what’s right — even when it’s hard.

Kua whati te tai, tono mai! | Apply today!

If you're ready to step into a national leadership role that genuinely shapes outcomes for Māori, for learners, and for the future of indigenous tertiary education — then now is the moment.

A position description is available on our careers website.  For any other queries, please email jobs@twoa.ac.nz