Kaitohu Matua Treaty Partner Relationships (Senior Advisor) at Department of Conservation, Manawatu - Wanganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Be part of the development and implementation of a district Treaty partner strategy and ongoing work programme for Te Papa Atawhai / Department of Conservation to fulfill obligations to give effect to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the relationship with Ngāti Rangi

• Salary ranges from $80,054 - $101,142 depending on skills and experience
• Permanent full-time opportunity | Whakapapa or Ohakune

Drive strategic iwi partnerships with integrity, influence and connection to strengthen Treaty outcomes for people and place.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

Mō te tūranga | About the role
This is a pivotal, relationship-led role responding to the aspirations from Treaty settlement to ensure they become a reality. Importantly, it is an opportunity to forge new pathways of working between Ngāti Rangi and Te Papa Atawhai.

As Kaitohu Matua Treaty Partner Relationships, you will work alongside Treaty partners at both iwi and hapū level to co-design, implement and deliver on exciting projects and kaupapa at place. You will play a strategic role in the wider team working alongside your peers to ensure our treaty partner, in this case Ngāti Rangi, is a priority and remains at the forefront for delivery, including Treaty settlement obligations, Treaty settlement implementation and the co-design of kaupapa that deliver tangible outcomes for people and whenua.

The Tongariro District is one of the largest within Te Papa Atawhai boundaries. You will be working with larger settlement exercises and negotiations, with a significant opportunity to shape the way we work with our iwi partners through building strong connections across iwi entities, including neighbouring iwi.

You will also support DOC operational teams and leadership to build cultural capability, meet settlement commitments, and strengthen strategic collaboration with Treaty Partners.

In this role you will:

• Identify gaps in Treaty settlement implementation and work with operations teams to address these.
• Scope, develop and operationalise opportunities arising from new and existing Treaty settlements, including conservation and commercial initiatives.
• Coordinate legal advice and interpret settlement documentation to ensure obligations are fully understood and met.
• Facilitate annual planning processes and regular engagement meetings with Treaty Partners.
• Manage agreed initiatives and support DOC leadership in strategic iwi partnerships.
• Support whānau, hapū, and iwi to build capability and exercise their role as kaitiaki.
• Contribute to the development of a regional framework for DOC's obligations to PSGEs.
• Hold and maintain key iwi relationships supporting the Tongariro District.

You will have the opportunity to regularly work with Ngā Waihua o Paerangi, attend Ngāti Rangi led workshops, as well as attend hui and stay on the marae.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
We are looking for a relationship-focused individual who brings strong cultural competence, sound judgement, has the ability to work with integrity in complex environments and is a natural leader.

You will bring:

• Strong communication, engagement, and relationship-building skills across diverse groups.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Treaty settlements, Māori-Crown relationships and local iwi history
• Experience preparing high-quality written material such as reports.
• The ability to navigate differing perspectives with emotional intelligence, cultural competence, and respect for tikanga Māori.
• A strategic, pragmatic mindset with the ability to turn obligations into practical outcomes.
• Comfort working in outdoor environments, across multiple locations and teams.
• Fluency in Te Reo and tikanga Māori is preferred
• Full New Zealand driver licence.

You will value meaningful partnerships with whānau, hapū and iwi and demonstrate respect, credibility and influence within Māori communities.

Our Values
At Te Papa Atawhai, everyone's journey is unique. Every purpose, personal. That's why we believe your career should be more than a role' it should be a path that reflects who you are, what you value, and the difference you want to make.

Here, you'll find more than a workplace. You'll find a team united and guided by values that matter:

• Integrity, because trust and honesty are non-negotiable
• Empowerment, because when we lift each other, we all rise higher
• Connection, because collaboration sparks progress
• Achievement, because results mean more when they create real impact

This is a place where nature thrives because people do.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What's in it for you?
DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.


Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now
Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $80,054 - $101,142 with the starting salary of the successful applicant based on their relevant 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.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.'

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday 14th May

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, leeyoung@doc.govt.nz