Regional Planner (Treaty) Fixed Term/Secondment

• Lead regional planning that gives effect to Treaty commitments and iwi aspirations

• Join a passionate team dedicated to genuine relationships and iwi-led conservation projects.

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

• Full-time 12-month fixed term/secondment based in Whakatāne

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

We are seeking a Regional Planner (Treaty) for a 12-month fixed-term/secondment role based in Whakatāne. This is a Treaty-centric position that plays a critical role in supporting the organisation’s delivery of Treaty Settlement obligations at a regional level.

Working closely with the Regional Treaty Relationships Manager, you will help translate Treaty commitments into meaningful, practical planning and performance outcomes. The role has a strong focus on regional planning, performance reporting, and supporting the integration of Treaty obligations into long-term planning, business cases, and operational delivery.

You will contribute to the development, coordination, and monitoring of plans that support Treaty Settlement commitments, ensuring these are aligned with organisational priorities, statutory requirements, and partner expectations. This role requires strong analytical capability, the ability to work across disciplines, and a collaborative approach when engaging with internal teams and Treaty partners.

The position will be focussed on:

• Support regional planning activities related to Treaty Settlement obligations and commitments

• Work alongside the Regional Treaty Relationships Manager to embed Treaty outcomes into planning and performance frameworks

• Contribute to long-term planning processes, including the development of business cases and strategic planning documents

• Analyse data and prepare high-quality reports that track performance, risks, and progress against Treaty-related deliverables

• Support performance improvement initiatives through evidence-based insights and recommendations

• Collaborate across teams to ensure Treaty obligations are understood and integrated into operational planning

• Assist with coordination of planning inputs across multiple disciplines and stakeholders

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful, Treaty-focused outcomes that support long-term regional development. You’ll work in a collaborative environment with committed professionals and have the chance to make a real impact through thoughtful planning and performance support.

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

• Strong analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to interpret and present data clearly

• Experience in planning, financial management systems, and performance improvement

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and presenting insights to varied audiences

• Experience in long-term planning and the development of business cases

• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and work across multiple disciplines

• A solutions-focused mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities for improvement and influence positive outcomes

• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and experience supporting the delivery of Treaty Settlement obligations or commitments

• Experience working in partnership with iwi, hapū, or Māori organisations, with an appreciation of tikanga Māori and relationship-based ways of working

• Full New Zealand driver’s licence

Desirable:

• Experience working in a Crown agency, local government, council, or iwi organisation, particularly in long-term planning and consultation or operational delivery

• Experience in Tiriti partner relationships and delivering on Treaty-related commitments

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 - $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 Friday 13th February 2026.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Theresa Chick, Treaty Partner Strategy Manager at [email protected]