Kaitohu Matua Treaty Partner Relationships (Senior Advisor) at Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai

Whanganui, Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

21 Mar, 26

Salary

101142.0

Posted On

21 Dec, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Report Writing, Government Processes, OIA Requests, Ministerial Briefings, Te Tiriti O Waitangi, Treaty Settlements, Legal Knowledge, Relationship Building, Strategic Thinking, Problem Solving, Cultural Awareness, Driver's Licence

Industry

Government Administration

Description

A varied role combining your knowledge for Government processes, report writing and strategy Salary range $80,054 - $101,142 Permanent Role | Whanganui based – will consider other locations within the region for the right candidate Drive DOC’s commitment to Treaty obligations under the Conservation Act—an essential role shaping conservation across the district 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 Join Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) in a key role driving projects that uphold Treaty settlement commitments and deliver lasting impact. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders and contribute to strategic outcomes that matter. The position will be focussed on: Ensure Treaty settlement obligations are met and identify gaps across the district Scope and operationalize opportunities from new settlements, including conservation and commercial initiatives Prepare and support Official Information Act (OIA) responses and Ministerial briefings Coordinate legal input and planning to fulfill settlement intent Facilitate annual planning and regular engagement meetings with Treaty Partners. Manage agreed initiatives and support DOC leadership in strategic collaboration. Enable whānau, hapū, and iwi to build capability as kaitiaki. Support the Operational Leadership Team to develop a regional framework to identify and implement DOC's obligations to Post Settlement Governance Entities (PSGEs). Support the Treaty Implementation Rangers with advice and guidance of Treaty partner engagement & protocols Click here for the Role Description Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you: Skilled in report writing and a good understanding of government processes Ideally have experience in OIA requests and ministerial briefings Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Treaty settlements. Familiarity with the Te Awa Tupua Act 2017 will be beneficial Legal background would be advantageous for deeper understanding of legislation Ability to navigate diverse perspectives and build strong relationships Strategic thinker with a practical approach to problem-solving Open-minded and adaptable in an evolving environment Comfortable with basic outdoor work and site visits Ability to multi-task and wear many different hats to keep things moving No requirement for fluent te reo Māori, but cultural awareness essential Full NZ driver’s licence required Our Values At The Department of Conservation, everyone’s journey is unique. Every purpose, personal. That’s why we believe your career should be more than a role… it should be a path that reflects who you are, what you value, and the difference you want to make. Here, you’ll find more than a workplace. You’ll find a team united and guided by values that matter: Integrity, because trust and honesty are non-negotiable Empowerment, because when we lift each other, we all rise higher Connection, because collaboration sparks progress Achievement, because results mean more when they create real impact This is a place where nature thrives because people do. 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. 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. 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. Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 11th January 2026 Please note that we have replaced our previous recruitment system with Workday, you will need to create a new Candidate Home account when applying for new roles. The Department of Conservation is a great place to work for anyone who is passionate about nature and the environment. Our people are responsible for caring for our land, water and native species. Spread throughout the country, they ensure that nature can thrive. They perform a huge range of tasks in roles from technical specialists to support staff and frontline rangers. Read more about Our role: About us

Responsibilities

The role involves ensuring Treaty settlement obligations are met and identifying gaps across the district. It also includes collaborating with stakeholders and supporting DOC leadership in strategic initiatives.