Principal Advisor - Ngā Whenua Rāhui

• Protecting indigenous biodiversity on whenua Māori while supporting tikanga and tino rangatiratanga.

• Salary range between $110,033 - $145,000 depending on skills and experience.

• Permanent part time, location flexible.

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role

Ngā Whenua Rāhui administers contestable Ministerial funds that support the voluntary protection of indigenous biodiversity on Māori-owned land. Our kaupapa is to protect and restore the rich biodiversity of Aotearoa while enabling whānau, hapū and iwi to maintain their connection to the land through tikanga and self-determination.

We are looking for an experienced and strategic Principal Advisor to lead the strategy, policy and Ministerial approval functions of the Ngā Whenua Rāhui Fund.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of conservation, Māori land management, and government decision-making. You will provide strategic leadership across policy, Ministerial services, planning and continuous improvement, helping ensure the Fund delivers meaningful outcomes for Māori landowners and indigenous biodiversity.

You will work closely with senior leaders, government agencies, Māori landowners, whānau, hapū and iwi to shape initiatives, provide expert advice, and support the ongoing evolution of the Fund.

Key responsibilities

• Lead Ministerial, policy and government services work for Ngā Whenua Rāhui.

• Oversee the review and continuous improvement of policies, processes and operating procedures.

• Provide strategic advice and support to the Kaihautū and senior leadership team.

• Prepare high-quality briefings, Ministerial papers and responses on complex issues.

• Lead significant projects and initiatives from design through to implementation and evaluation.

• Identify risks and opportunities and develop practical solutions that achieve positive outcomes.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Māori landowners, whānau, hapū, iwi and key partner agencies.

• Represent Ngā Whenua Rāhui and Te Papa Atawhai in cross-agency forums and strategic discussions.

• Provide thought leadership, coaching and expert advice across the organisation.

This is a permanent part-time role (0.7 FTE/30 hours per week) and can be based in Wellington or any Ngā Whenua Rāhui office locations.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for someone with strong strategic capability, excellent relationship management skills and a deep understanding of Māori land issues and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

You will have:

• Extensive knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, its principles, and their application in policy and operational settings.

• Strong understanding of Māori land governance, management arrangements and historical Crown land acquisition impacts.

• Experience working with Māori landowners, iwi, hapū and whānau and an ability to build trusted relationships.

• Knowledge of public sector processes, Ministerial services, Crown funding and accountability requirements.

• Experience influencing and delivering complex initiatives across large organisations.

• Excellent analytical, systems thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality advisory and Ministerial documents.

• Experience working across agencies and building collaborative partnerships.

• Project management experience and the ability to deliver results in a complex environment.

• Some proficiency in Te Reo Māori and understanding of tikanga Māori.

If you are passionate about conservation, Māori land aspirations, and influencing positive outcomes through strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

We offer an inclusive and culturally safe workspace grounded in Tikanga and Te Ao Maori, where mahi is meaningful and drives outcomes for our people and Te Taiao.

We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader. Want to know more?

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.

Salary: $110,033 - $145,000 depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday, 27 August 2026.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Connie Norgate, Kaihautū Ngā Whenua Rāhui at cnorgate@doc.govt.nz.