Kaiarahi Matua

• Lead the development and implementation of a District Treaty Partner Strategy and ongoing work programme to fulfil Treaty obligations for the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC).
• Four weeks + three days annual leave per year, flexible working options
• Permanent full time, Auckland or Warkworth 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 

Te Papa Atawhai, Department of Conservation (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

This Kaiārahi Matua role is designed to strengthen Treaty partnerships and support work to meet Treaty of Waitangi settlement commitments across the DOC Tāmaki Makaurau District. You will be responsible for leading and maintaining iwi relationships, facilitating iwi engagement in DOC's work and delivering iwi-based projects. This role also has a strong focus on planning, scheduling and reporting on work involved in meeting settlement commitments, and providing support and coaching on Te Reo, tikanga and mātauranga Māori. This role could be based at either the Auckland or Mahurangi / Warkworth Office.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

The iwi landscape in the Tāmaki Makaurau District is complex with at least 19 iwi with overlapping rights and interests, and multiple hapū. Iwi are key players and drivers in conservation. DOC is reliant on having a person with excellent knowledge of the Treaty landscape to effectively deliver on our settlement commitments and support work to embed DOC's integrated strategy to become an honourable Treaty partner. 

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, as well as a heightened sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you:

• A sound understanding of the iwi landscape in the Auckland region and the ability to share your understanding with others.
• A proven ability to work with iwi, hapū and whānau and build and maintain relationships.
• Sufficient te reo Māori to read, write and participate effectively and engage credibly with iwi.
• Sound knowledge of tikanga and Te Ao Māori.
• Skilled at supporting and coaching others to increase their cultural competency.
• Sound planning, prioritisation, organisation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven resilience, with ability to keep calm under pressure while managing high profile work.
• A strong commitment to Safety and Wellbeing in the workplace.
• Full New Zealand driver licence.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

Te Papa Atawhai is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve, creating an inclusive workplace culture, supporting the relationship between Māori and the Crown, and lifting our cultural capability. We encourage our people to bring their authentic self and unique perspectives to work, in pursuit of our collective aspirations. Our commitment to well-being and professional development includes:

• flexible working opportunities suited to your role
• career development, secondment and training opportunities to help you realise your goals
• study assistance in programmes that are relevant to your work
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and discounted medical insurance
• great discounts on DOC accommodation and outdoor apparel and gear so you're ready for your next adventure.

Tono ināianei | Apply now 

Apply online via the DOC Careers Centre with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.  

The salary range for this position is $77,336 to $97,708 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being 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. 

Rā katinga | Applications close at 5pm on Monday, 2 October 2023.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries please contact Rebecca Rush, Operations Manager at rrush@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1744961