.png){kind=logo}
Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK) - Permanent Recruitment Case Study
Case Study
Our client, Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK), is the Government’s primary advisor on Māori wellbeing and development, driving initiatives that support Māori enterprise, workforce development, and community resilience across Aotearoa. Their Investments Directorate leads impactful investment programmes, requiring skilled and culturally aligned talent to deliver on their objectives.
- Service: Permanent Recruitment
- Industry: Government / Public Sector
- Size: 350+ employees
- Locations: New Zealand
A Permanent Recrutiment Success Story
-
10
kaimahi successfully placed within the Investments Directorate and Regional Operations
-
75%
successful candidates were female
-
100%
hires aligned with Te Ao Māori
-
5+
hires identifying as Māori, including 1 Cook Island Māori
The challenge
TPK required diverse representation within its Investments Directorate, hiring Principal Advisors and Senior Advisors/Analysts. The organisation needed candidates not only with professional experience but also with a strong understanding of, or passion for, Te Ao Māori. Traditional recruitment approaches risked missing talent who aligned with these cultural and community-specific expectations.
Setting up the partnership
Our Policy & Government team was selected as TPK’s exclusive talent partner. From the outset, we collaborated closely to co-design the recruitment approach, focusing on a deep understanding of TPK’s cultural and organisational needs. This included looking beyond standard job descriptions to identify candidates whose experience and values aligned with Māori wellbeing and development.
The solution
Our strategy combined targeted outreach, storytelling, and cross-office collaboration:
- Storytelling campaign: A dedicated microsite and tailored job board postings presented TPK’s story authentically, resonating with candidates passionate about Māori development.
- Community engagement: Leveraging our established networks, we reached trusted connections to identify candidates who were the right cultural and professional fit.
- Cross-office collaboration: Seamless coordination across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch ensured a regional and wide-reaching approach to sourcing talent.
Key results
Our partnership with TPK delivered exceptional outcomes, demonstrating the value of a culturally informed and targeted recruitment approach. Within a short timeframe, we successfully placed 10 high-calibre kaimahi across the Investments Directorate and Regional Operations, exceeding expectations for both diversity and cultural alignment. Seventy-five percent of hires were female, while every candidate brought either professional experience in or a deep passion for Te Ao Māori, directly meeting TPK’s specific requirements. Notably, at least five hires identified as Māori, including one Cook Island Māori, strengthening the Directorate’s commitment to Māori and Pasifika wellbeing and development. Beyond these metrics, the collaboration enhanced TPK’s visibility in key communities and reinforced the organisation’s reputation as an employer that values cultural authenticity, inclusion, and regional representation.Client Testimonial
Hear from Karen McGuinness, General Manager at Te Puni Kōkiri
“Robert Walters understood the unique requirements of our organisation and were committed to finding candidates who not only had the skills but also aligned with our values and Te Ao Māori. Their collaborative and culturally aware approach made a real difference.”
Karen McGuinness
Client
item-0
Our other recruitment services
-
Executive Search
Our specialist team of recruiters matches visionary leaders with compatible employers.
Read more -
Temporary recruitment
We have our finger on the pulse for all your contingent hiring needs.
Read more -
Market intelligence
Utilise the latest data and intel to ensure you make the right hiring decisions.
Read more -
Consulting services
Build bespoke teams to successfully deliver your transformation project.
Read more
Request a consultation
Complete our form below to speak with a member of our team
