Risk and Assurance Manager

Job Description

Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa - Risk and Assurance Manager

• Based in Whakatāne.
• Full ownership of the Risk & Assurance Framework, including risk management, internal audit, compliance oversight, and Board-level reporting.
• Lead end-to-end risk and assurance, strengthening governance, accountability, and decision-making across a kaupapa Māori organisation.

Tihei mauri ora ki te whai ao ki te ao mārama Ki ō tātou tini aituā kua huri tua o maumahara, haere koutou. 

Ki a tātou ngā kanohi ora kua mahue nei ki te ao hurihuri tēnā koutou. 

Tēnā koutou rau rangatira mā, i te āhuatanga o te kaupapa whakakī tūranga nei, e mihi atu nei, kia ora huihui mai tātou katoa.

Ko wai mātou? | Who are we?

Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa is a kaupapa Māori-led organisation dedicated to the prosperity and wellbeing of whānau through integrated health, social, education, employment, and housing services.

Their work is grounded in tikanga, whakapapa, and connection to place. The 4 Pou provide the foundations that guide they lead, make decisions, and support whānau:

Te Pou o Hineahuone
Te Pou o Hinetītama 
Te Pou Ihorangi o Papatūānuku
Te Pou Aotūroa

Mō te tūranga | About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), you will provide independent, end-to-end risk and assurance leadership across the organisation.

This is a senior, autonomous role ideally suited to someone who can confidently design, build, and deliver a comprehensive risk and assurance framework, and embed it across diverse service areas including health, early childhood education, housing, and social services.

The role is based on site in Whakatāne and will suit a professional who enjoys working closely with leaders, Boards, and committees, and who brings strong judgement, credibility, and clarity to complex environments.

Mō te tūranga | Key Focus of the Role

You will work largely autonomously to implement the Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa Risk and Assurance framework across all service areas of the organisation (including health, early childhood education, housing and social work).

The Manager plays a key role in supporting the organisation as they grow in scale and impact, through ensuring they are effective in the management of risks and supporting leaders in the exercise of authorities delegated from the Crown. 

The Manager promotes a positive risk and assurance culture, acts as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, and helps embed risk and assurance principles. You will provide expert advice to colleagues and support the strategic and operational objectives of Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngāti Awa businesses.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We are seeking a candidate who brings depth, credibility, and sound judgement. You will likely have:

• 5-10 years’ experience in risk, assurance, internal or external audit, or advisory roles.
• Experience working within a Big Four firm (Deloitte, PwC, EY, or KPMG), particularly in advisory or external audit roles, is highly desirable.
• Experience working with public benefit entities, charities, or public sector organisations is advantageous.
• A professional qualification such as Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage complex work programmes, and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience reporting to executives and Boards.
• A collaborative approach, with the confidence to provide constructive challenge and guidance.
• An appreciation for kaupapa Māori environments and values-driven organisations.

While we anticipate this role will suit someone with around 5-10 years’ experience, we welcome interest from candidates who bring the right capability, mindset, and cultural alignment, regardless of exact years served.

He aha ngā painga? | What We Offer

• A senior level, trusted role with real influence across a growing organisation.
• The opportunity to shape and embed risk and assurance practice at a strategic level.
• A kaupapa Māori organisation grounded in tikanga, whakapapa, and whānau-centred values.
• A supportive leadership environment working closely with the CFO and governance groups.

The chance to live and work in stunning, sunny Whakatāne, offering strong community connection, whānau/lifestyle balance, and natural beauty.

Te Tono | How to Apply

If you are looking for a meaningful role where your expertise will genuinely add value, we would love to hear from you.  For more information, please email your CV and cover letter to Heather Walker at Mana Recruitment quoting ref: NASH34.

Applications close: Tono will be assessed as they are received. Early applications are encouraged to ensure a January 2026 start.