Kaiārahi Matua

Department of Conservation (DOC); Kaitaia; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Salary top-up or allowances

Job summary

Department of Conservation in Kaitaia is seeking a Kaiāka Matua to lead and manage complex statutory responsibilities around Korowai agreements and the Conservation Management Strategy (CMS). You will plan, monitor and report to ensure obligations are met with precision and integrity.

The role focuses on delivering strategic advice, managing agreements, and coordinating with iwi and whānau to support settlement commitments and district initiatives.

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate understanding of statutory processes and settlement obligations.
• Experience leading complex statutory work and CMS-related initiatives.
• Strong planning, regulatory knowledge, and ability to translate complex information into clear content.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex statutory work related to Korowai agreements and CMS.
• Plan, monitor and report on settlement obligations.
• Provide strategic advice on obligations, risks and issues to the Operations and Statutory Manager.
• Prepare and manage agreements assigned by the Manager.
• Scope, plan, manage and deliver agreed initiatives for the District.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Project planning

Relationship management

Te reo Māori understanding

Treaty of Waitangi knowledge

NZ Driver's Licence

Education

Treaty settlement studies degree/certificate

Maori Studies / Te Ao Māori degree

Resource Management / Environmental Management / Conservation / Planning / Public Policy degree

Job description

• A varied role combining your knowledge for Government processes, report writing and strategy
• $80,695.00 - $110,000
• Fixed Term/Secondment: until end June 2027, Kaitaia Location

Drive DOC’s commitment to Treaty obligations under the Conservation Act—an essential role shaping conservation across the district

Mō te tūnŵ | About the role

Are you a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of statutory processes and settlement obligations? Do you have the expertise to lead and manage complex projects that will drive positive outcomes for Kaitaia District iwi?

We are seeking a skilled and motivated KaiĆıa Matua to lead and manage complex statutory responsibilities in relation to the Korowai agreements alongside requirements of the new Conservation Management Strategy (CMS). In this pivotal role you will take charge of planning, monitoring and reporting to ensure all settlement obligations are met with precision and integrity.

The position will be focussed on:

• Leading complex statutory work in relation to Korowai agreements and requirements of the new Conservation Management Strategy (CMS)
• Planning, monitoring and reporting on various aspects of the settlement obligations
• Provide strategic advice to the Operations and Statutory Manager on obligations, requirements, risks and issues in relation to the settlement
• Prepare and manage agreements assigned by the Manager
• Scope, plan, manage and deliver specific agreed initiatives for the District

Ngą ćņćek me ćņņćek | Skills and experience

Driven by your experience of working in collaborative environments, this role will have a strong focus on engagement, relationship management and communication.

We are keen to hear from you, if you have;

• A commitment to give effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi
• In depth knowledge and understanding of the District iwi context and the Department obligations
• Experience in statutory processes and implementation
• High degree of planning, strategic thinking and regulatory knowledge
• Strong communication skills and ability to create clear, well written content from complex information
• Collaborative mindset with a proactive approach to issue management and problem-solving
• Experience in working with whănau, hapōu and iwi with a thorough understanding of te ao Māori with a good understanding of te reo me onă tikanga
• Excellent people skills and a strong drive for results through collaboration proven by your ability to establish networks that deliver on mutual outcomes
• You will be authentic in your support and collaborations with our Treaty Partners
• Full NZ Drivers Licence

Desirable:

• Training in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Treaty settlement processes or New Zealand Certificate or Diploma programmes with a focus on Māori-Crown relations, degree in Māori Studies / Te Ao Māori, or degree in Resource Management, Environmental Management, Conservation, Planning, or Public Policy

He aha āō āō ŋŅŅąŅŅ | 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 also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader.

Salary: $80,695.00 - $110,000, depending on skills and experience.

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

(SECONDMENT ONLY) You are encouraged to discuss secondment opportunities with your line manager. Secondments should support the development of skills and experience aligned with your development plan. You must seek support from your line manager before applying for a secondment. Approval from your one-up manager is also required before you can be released for a secondment opportunity.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close

at 11:59 pm on Thursday, 5 November 2026. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly.

Me he pątą anō, whakapą mai | For further enquiries

please contact Stace Farquhar, [e-mail]