Project Manager

Rēkohu/Chatham Islands

Moriori Imi Settlement Trust (MIST) are seeking an experienced and capable Project Manager to help lead the planning and delivery of one of the most significant cultural heritage projects currently underway for Moriori.

The Rangihoua waka is a miheke of cultural, historical and archaeological significance. Discovered on the northern coastline of Rēkohu, the waka represents an extraordinary connection to Moriori history, knowledge, and voyaging traditions.

The Rangihoua Project will bring together Moriori leadership, archaeological expertise, conservation specialists and technical advisors to carefully plan and progress the next stages of investigation, protection and recovery of the waka.

This is a rare opportunity to help coordinate a project of national and international importance, working alongside Moriori leadership to ensure the waka is approached with T’chiekitanga and Manawareka, reflecting Moriori values of care, responsibility and respect for miheke.

About the Role

The Project Manager will play a central role in coordinating the planning and delivery of the Rangihoua Waka Miheke Project.

Working closely with MIST, the Steering Committee, Crown agencies and other key stakeholders, archaeologists, conservators and technical experts, the Project Manager will help ensure the project is well organised, well governed and progresses in a careful and staged way.

This role requires someone who can bring structure to complex projects, coordinate multiple workstreams and ensure that planning, logistics and communication are managed effectively.

Key Responsibilities

The Project Manager will:

develop and maintain the overall project plan coordinate timelines, workstreams and project stages support the engagement of archaeologists, conservators and other specialists coordinate engagement and maintain effective working relationships with Crown agencies, including Te Papa Atawhai, Manatū Taonga and Pouhere Taonga and other relevant agencies and key stakeholders coordinate project logistics and operational planning support implementation of project health and safety systems and ensure activities are planned and coordinated saftely. support preparation of funding applications and funding proposals coordinate information required for project planning and funding assist with reporting obligations to funders maintain project systems, documentation and records identify, monitor and escalate risks or issues to the Steering Committee prepare updates and reports to support governance oversight About You

We are looking for someone who can bring strong organisational leadership and calm coordination to a complex project environment.

You will ideally bring:

strong project management or coordination experience the ability to organise complex projects involving multiple stakeholders excellent communication and relationship management skills strong planning and organisational capability the ability to work respectfully within a culturally grounded project environment Experience in heritage, archaeological, environmental, conservation or community-based projects would be an advantage.

What matters most is the ability to coordinate people, planning and information in a thoughtful, respectful and disciplined way.

Location

The role will involve coordination work and travel to Rēkohu/Chatham Islands during key stages of the project.

While the role does not need to be permanently based on Rēkohu, on-island presence will be required during active phases of onsite work.

Governance

The Project Manager will support the Steering Committee and coordinate the day-to-day planning and delivery of the project.

To Apply

Please submit:

a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role your CV highlighting relevant experience Applications should be sent to: office@moriori-imi-trust.nz

Applications close: 5pm Friday 01 May 2026.