Kaihautū Rautaki | Principal Strategic Advisor - Kaupapa Māori

Environment Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional council in Christchurch is seeking an experienced Principal Advisor to lead the development of kaupapa Māori strategy and policy. The role involves mentoring team members and engaging with Māori communities to ensure effective collaboration. A strong understanding of Māori cultural practices and local government processes is essential. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of relevant experience in strategic advisory roles, working within complex regulatory environments.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience providing strategy, policy and planning advice in kaupapa Māori.
• Expert knowledge of local and central government processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work with iwi and hapū.

Responsibilities

• Develop and present kaupapa Māori strategy and advice.
• Mentor and coach team members.
• Build strong relationships with various stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic advice development

Policy management

Relationship building

Māori resource management

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Posted: 22/09/2025

Closing Date: 19/10/2025

Job Type: Permanent | Full Time

Job Category: Government, Defence & Emergency

• Experienced principal advisor, bringing experience in developing and presenting high quality strategic and policy advice in kaupapa Māori to fulfil Tiriti partnership commitments
• Contributing to a strong Tiriti responsive team to support the Tumu Herenga

As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

The region’s evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.

Our mahi is organised around the delivery of our three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

This is a full-time role that will lead the development and presentation of kaupapa Māori strategy, policy and planning advice to give effect to Council and Papatipu Rūnanga partnership expectations. This role will also mentor and coach team members to develop their technical strategic advisory skills.

We are looking for an experienced principal advisor, who can develop and present strategic advice to ensure that initiatives and commitments are put into action and can be monitored and reported on.To be successful in this role you will bring:

• 5+ years’ experience providing strategy, policy and planning advice in kaupapa Māori preferably within large, complex, or regulated organisations.
• Demonstrated experience providing high-quality, timely and nuanced technical advice, information and insights.
• A firm understanding of working within an organisation with a strong regulatory framework and ngā kaupapa taiao/ Māori resource management obligations.
• Expert knowledge of local and central government, programme and policy management experience and working at the political interface.
• Proven relationship building and communication skills, with the ability to facilitate, resolve, influence and engage at all levels.
• Demonstrable experience working with hapū and iwi and/ or within Māori communities and an active commitment to upholding the values, tikanga, kawa of cultural practice and traditions as guided by mana whenua, Ngāi Tahu. Ideally you will also bring strong knowledge of the Ngāi Tahu tribal context.
• A deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (and its application in a public sector environment).

You will have a relevant tertiary qualification in a related specialty that recognises the expertise which makes you fit for the role and/ or other relevant technical experience, e.g. in the field of leadership, Māori development, environmental management, local government, systems change.

• Excellent interpersonal skills demonstrated by a friendly and professional approach and the ability to communicate effectively across a diverse range of people and organisations is essential.
• Strong networking, influencing and relationship building skills with an ability to bring together diverse groups in complex or sensitive situations to reach desired conclusions and outcomes.

Demonstrated ability to work with Ngāi Tahu whānau, hapū and iwi with an active commitment to upholding the values, tikanga and kawa as guided by mana whenua, Ngāi Tahu. A commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and experience incorporating whānau, hapū and iwi Māori perspectives into work programmes is also an advantage.

Our mahi is underpinned by our values:

We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment. We value everyone’s contribution, diverse thinking, and skills.

We're on a journey to become a Treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work.

We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey.

Applications close on Sunday 19 October 2025. Applications will be reviewed as we receive them, and interviews may take place before the close date. We reserve the right to close advertising early.