Kaiarahi Matua

• Are you passionate about building strong relationships and creating lasting impact?

• Are you ready to lead partnership work that makes a difference for people and place?

• Lead iwi engagement across our Auckland Inner Islands District

• Understand and deliver on treaty settlement obligations across the Auckland Inner Islands

• Salary ranges from $80,054 to $101,142 depending on skills and experience

• Permanent full-time role | based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

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

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

This Kaiārahi Matua role is pivotal in strengthening Treaty partnerships and supporting the Te Papa Atawhai Department of Conservation to meet settlement commitments across the Auckland Inner Islands district.

You will lead iwi engagement for the district, with a particular focus on developing and maintaining strong, enduring relationships with Ngāti Pāoa and the Marutūāhu Collective. You will guide iwi participation in statutory and business planning processes, support the delivery of iwi-led projects, and ensure effective reporting and coordination across teams.

You will also play a key role in implementing ‘Whāia ki a Tata’, a regional strategy that aims to enhance DOC’s ability to give effect to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to work effectively alongside whānau, hapū and iwi.

The Auckland Inner Islands team manage the inner islands of the Hauraki Gulf, Hauturu-o-Toi, Kawau, Motuora, Tiritiri Matangi, Rangitoto, Te Motutapu-a-Taikehu, Te Motu-a-Ihenga (Motuihe) and Waiheke. The team delivers a range of heritage, visitor, community, treaty and biodiversity work programmes, managing a number of threatened species such as the takahē, hihi and kiwi.

The position will be focussed on:

• Lead iwi engagement across the Auckland Inner Islands District, with a focus on relationships with Ngāti Pāoa and the Marutūāhu Collective

• Support the rollout of work scheduling and reporting for Treaty settlement commitments

• Maintain a strong understanding of relationship agreements between Auckland iwi and the Crown

• Support the implementation of the Whāia ki a Tata district strategic plan

• Facilitate regular hui and coordination with whānau, hapū and iwi

• Maintain an understanding of DOC’s decision-making framework around concessions

• Support opportunities for whānau, hapū and iwi to build their internal capability as kaitiaki

• Keep up to date with the iwi landscape in Auckland and share insights with the Operations team

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You will bring a strong background in relationship management, engagement, and communication, and be passionate about fostering effective Treaty partnerships. You will be a natural leader with a collaborative mindset, able to build trust and credibility through authentic relationships.

Your deep understanding of te ao Māori, combined with strong self-awareness and emotional intelligence, will allow you to work confidently and respectfully with whānau, hapū and iwi.

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• A strong commitment to giving effect to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of Treaty settlement processes and DOC obligations

• Experience in statutory processes and implementation

• High-level planning, strategic thinking and regulatory knowledge

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex information clearly

• A proactive, collaborative approach to issue management and problem-solving

• Proven experience working with whānau, hapū and iwi, with sound knowledge of te ao Māori and te reo me ōna tikanga

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build networks that deliver shared outcomes

• Authenticity and integrity in all interactions with our Treaty Partners Authenticity and integrity in your support and collaboration with our Treaty Partners

• New Zealand full drivers’ licence

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.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kaimahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

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. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

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

The salary range for this position is $80,054 to $101,142 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.

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

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday 26 January 2026.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Hayley Barlow, Recruitment Advisor at [email protected]