Kaitohu Matua Treaty Partner Relationships at Department of Conservation, Tauranga

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Lead the development and implementation of a District Treaty Partner Strategy and ongoing work programme to fulfil Treaty obligations.
• Take advantage of a range of development and training opportunities across the organisation.
• Four weeks + three days annual leave per year, flexible working options.
• Permanent, full-time role, Tauranga location.

Toitū te marae a Tāne-Mahuta, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata 

If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive 

Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and sustain nature across Aotearoa. We put nature and people at the heart of our mahi, guided by te reo Māori, te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We do this by: 

• protecting land, species, ecosystems, and cultural heritage for conservation purposes, 
• managing threats and adverse impacts,
• being a voice for conservation,
• connecting people to nature. 

He angitūtanga | About the role

Are you passionate about te taiao, and keen to be at the leading edge of iwi partnership and conservation leadership in Tauranga?

As Kaitohu Matua Treaty Partner Relationships, you will work hand in hand with Treaty Partners at both iwi and hapū level to co-design, implement and deliver on exciting projects and kaupapa. You will play a strategic role in the wider team working alongside your peers to ensure our treaty partner is a priority and remains at the forefront for delivery, including Treaty settlement obligations.

You will focus on:

• identifying gaps in Treaty settlement implementation obligations across the district and work with the operations team to plan for and remedy the gaps
• scoping work arising from new Treaty settlements, and work with the management team to operationalise conservation and commercial opportunities for iwi
• coordinating legal input to interpret settlement documents and ensure the implementation plan fulfils the intent of the settlement
• facilitating coordination of annual business planning meetings with Treaty partners. Support coordination of regular meetings with Treaty partners to develop, review and amend implementation of relevant agreements, charters, and protocols
• scoping, planning, managing and delivering specific agreed initiatives
• supporting relevant managers, director, and other staff with the strategic collaboration meetings with our Treaty partners
• supporting opportunities for whānau, hapū, and iwi to build their internal capabilities to practice their responsibilities as kaitiaki
• supporting the Operational Leadership Team to develop a regional framework to identify and implement DOC's obligations to Post Settlement Governance Entities (PSGEs)
• keeping up to date with the iwi landscape in Tauranga and ensure this information is shared with operations.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for a natural people leader who is passionate about supporting a positive team culture. You will have great communication and engagement skills allowing a heightened sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. You will know how to engage effectively with mana whenua and show a willingness to learn karakia, pepeha and local tikanga to develop your capability in this area, allowing you to work effectively with whānau, hapū, and iwi.

We are keen to hear from you if you have the following skills and experience:

• Te Reo me ona tikanga Māori.
• Sound statutory knowledge of Treaty settlement processes and specific settlements in the area.
• Open minded approach with the desire to create opportunities through an evolving space.
• Ability to navigate and balance differing perspective.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills across a diverse range of people and organisations.
• Technical writing skills and ability to create clear, well written content for complex information.
• Knowledge of Tauranga Iwi history, traditions, and customary practices.
• Ability to see the big picture and enthusiasm to find workable practical solutions.
• Full New Zealand driver licence.

Ko ngā hua | What we offer

We take pride in enabling our people to bring their unique perspectives to mahi, in pursuit of our collective aspirations. Our commitment to well-being and professional development includes:

• flexible working options where applicable, including hours and working-from-home
• perks including free accommodation in our backcountry huts and campsites, visitor centres product discounts, outdoor apparel and gear discounts (including Bivouac Outdoor, Macpac and more).
• opportunity to develop and grow your skills within the group and wider organisation
• active employee networks including Te Kāwai Aho Tapu - Māori Kaimahi Network, Rainbow Network.

Check these out in more detail via Why work at DOC?

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Tauranga District team sits within the Eastern North Island, Operations Group which is responsible for delivering conservation work on the ground.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Submit a tailored CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills, experience, and alignment to our Kaupapa.

The salary range will be between $77,336 and $97,708, dependant on candidate skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 5pm on Sunday, 1 October 2023.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries please contact Aleena Antony, Senior Recruitment Advisor at aantony@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1723527