Regional Lead Kauri Protection

• Step into a leadership role that safeguards taonga and supports thriving ecosystems.

• Permanent, full-time position, Auckland / Hauraki based location / other locations considered

• $92,912 to $124,500- depending on skills and experience you bring to the role.

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.

Protect kauri. Lead regional action. Make a real impact for Aotearoa’s forests.
We’re looking for a champion for healthy kauri forests. Someone who can build strong partnerships with mana whenua, central agencies and regional councils, and guide best ‑practice protection across the region. This is a key technical leadership role that safeguards taonga and supports thriving ecosystems.

He angitūtanga | About the role

You will form part of a national team leading Kauri Protection, which will see you coordinate kauri protection work across Auckland, Hauraki Gulf Islands, and wider kauri lands. You’ll act as a key conduit/ contact between technical advice and operational implementation, help set regional direction, and make sure our regional district teams are supported to deliver consistent, and effective kauri forest health work.

Key to delivering in this role will be your ability to engage and work in partnership with mana whenua—supporting pathogen management for the health of kauri and wider eco-systems, supporting Māori led initiatives, and ensuring mātauranga Māori and science work as one.

You will also play a lead role in joining up DOC’s work with councils, MPI/Tiakina Kauri, community groups, and other partners. About half of the role is regional coordination; the other half is portfolio work spanning education, training, engagement, compliance, and managing risk.

What you’ll do

• Partner with technical advisors and business support planning teams to implement advice on kauri health, plant pathogens, and best‑practice management, ensuring it is applied effectively on the ground.

• Strengthen relationships with whānau, hapū, iwi, and support the work they lead.

• Build capability across districts by mentoring, supporting, and coaching our regional operations teams.

• Coordinate regional responses and ensure a consistent, joined up approach across networks.

• Support cross agency programmes with MPI/Tiakina Kauri and regional councils.

• Lead and support education, advocacy, communications, training, and behaviour change work.

• Promote new tools, research, innovation, and shared learning across kauri lands.

• Support compliance and risk management, including work alongside tangata whenua.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Strong technical understanding of conservation, biosecurity, forest health, and kauri protection.

• Ability to explain complex information clearly and simply.

• Experience working across operational, geographically dispersed teams and comfortable managing and operating in ambiguity.

• Excellent relationship building skills, and a track record of working in partnership with mana whenua and local partners.

• Experience coaching or mentoring others.

• Confident communicator who can facilitate hui, workshops, and multistakeholder discussions.

• Strong planning skills, sound judgement, and a calm, steady approach under pressure.

• Ability to work autonomously in a standalone role.

You’ll also have (or be willing to develop):

• Understanding of Māori tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

• Ability to work in genuine partnership with Māori.

• Respect for iwi values and perspectives.

Desirable

• Experience in kauri protection, plant pathogen biosecurity management.

• Experience working with councils, regional operations, or cross agency projects.

• Ability to integrate mātauranga Māori and scientific approaches.

If you don’t meet every requirement but believe you can succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Click here for the role description

Who you’ll work with

You’ll join a focussed team of three Regional Leads, working alongside district teams across Auckland, Hauraki, Northland, Tauranga, the inner islands, and Aotea.  This is part of a larger Strategic Projects team, leading the coordination of key nationally led projects for DOC.

You’ll collaborate closely with:

• Mana whenua and Māori organisations

• MPI/Tiakina Kauri

• Regional and district councils

• Community groups and volunteers

• DOC Operations teams and planning staff

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

At the heart of our success is our strong DOC culture, built on clear values. Our integrity grounds us, our connections take us further together, we empower ourselves and others to do the best work, so we achieve more for nature and New Zealand.  DOC is committed to working as an honourable Treaty Partner.

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.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Your experience may come from mahi on the marae, with your iwi or hapū, through connections, community or volunteer work, or other roles. We value the wide range of skills, strengths and knowledge that people bring, no matter where they were gained.

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 throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

The salary range for this position is $92,912 to $124,500 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 11:59 pm on Friday 6 February 2026.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Brent Beaven at [email protected]