
Will Goldsmith
Tangata Whenua Partnerships | Strategic Engagement | Relationship Leadership
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About
Senior partnership, engagement, and relationship leader with more than 15 years' experience working across te ao Māori, government, health, education, philanthropy, community development, and the energy sector. Experienced in building trusted relationships with iwi, hapū, Māori organisations, government agencies, regulators, executives, Boards, industry leaders, and community stakeholders. Brings a unique combination of Māori partnership experience, commercial leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic influence.
Known for creating alignment across diverse interests, navigating complexity, and building enduring relationships that support long-term outcomes.
Experience
Manager – Engagement / Commercial Contracts Manager at Electricity Authority (Te Mana Hiko) (2023-01 – Present)
Lead strategic engagement initiatives supporting the Authority's work across consumer outcomes, market development, innovation, decentralisation, digitalisation, and regulatory change.
- Supported establishment and growth of the Electricity Authority Advisory Group (EAAG), bringing together more than 30 advisors representing consumer, industry, innovation, Māori, and community perspectives.
- Contributed to Māori engagement approaches across strategic and policy initiatives.
- Worked closely with Board members, executives, government agencies, consumer groups, industry participants, and community stakeholders.
- Managed strategic relationships and high-value service provider contracts.
- Supported executive engagement on complex sector issues requiring trust, credibility, and relationship management.
Partner – Te Ao Māori, Leadership and Consulting at The Massive Collective (2020-01 – Present)
Provide strategic advice on Māori engagement, leadership, organisational development, and partnership building across Māori, community, government, and commercial sectors.
Service Delivery Manager and Iwi Partnerships Lead at Whakarongorau Aotearoa (2021-01 – 2022-12)
Led strategic relationships with iwi organisations, Māori health providers, District Health Boards, and the Ministry of Health.
- Built and maintained trusted relationships with iwi and Māori health providers throughout New Zealand.
- Supported culturally responsive service delivery and Māori health outcomes.
- Supported nationally significant public health initiatives during the COVID-19 response.
Funding Coordinator – Māori Investment at JR McKenzie Trust (2019-01 – 2020-12)
Supported Māori development initiatives through investment planning, relationship management, and partnership development.
- Worked alongside iwi, hapū, Māori organisations, and community leaders throughout Aotearoa.
- Supported investment decisions focused on Māori wellbeing, education, leadership, and economic development.
- Built trusted relationships across the Māori development sector.
Investment Manager at Tertiary Education Commission (2018-01 – 2019-12)
Managed strategic investment relationships and supported tertiary education outcomes through stakeholder engagement, planning, and collaboration.
Regional and Portfolio Manager at Careers New Zealand (2015-01 – 2017-12)
Led regional teams and developed partnerships with iwi, employers, educational institutions, local government, and community organisations across multiple regions.
Bishop at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2016-01 – 2022-12)
Led a volunteer-based community organisation supporting individuals, families, youth, and leadership teams through welfare, mentoring, leadership development, and community initiatives.
Education
Bachelor of Business Studies in Enterprise Development – Massey University

