Māori Partnerships Lead for Indigenous Innovation

AgResearch; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AgResearch seeks a Kaitūhono | Māori Partnerships Lead to build and strengthen trusted relationships with Māori organisations, iwi, hapū, trusts, incorporations and enterprises across Aotearoa. Working with Indigenous Partnerships & Engagement and Indigenous Research teams, you will support Māori-led, Māori-centred research and connect partners with science expertise.

This role sits at the interface of te ao Māori, research, innovation and partnership development, ensuring Māori voices,

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge and experience in te ao Māori and tikanga Māori.
• Understanding of Māori agribusiness, whenua Māori, the Māori bioeconomy, and related sectors.
• Experience building and maintaining trusted stakeholder relationships across diverse environments.
• Experience in relationship management, partnership development, business development or a similar engagement-focused role.
• Knowledge of Vision Mātauranga and the role of Māori in research, science and innovation.
• Ability to navigate both Māori and organisational environments with credibility and confidence.
• Strong communication, facilitation and influencing skills.
• Sound commercial, project planning and organisational capability.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with Māori organisations, communities and stakeholders across the motu.
• Support tikanga-led and values-based engagement approaches that strengthen partnerships and create enduring impact.
• Identify opportunities to connect Māori aspirations with Institute science capabilities and research programmes.
• Support the development and delivery of Māori-led, Māori-centred and Kaupapa Māori research initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with researchers, partners and funding agencies to develop research opportunities and secure new projects.
• Help grow organisational capability in engaging effectively with Māori and embedding Te Ao Māori perspectives in research and engagement approaches.
• Provide insights and intelligence on emerging opportunities, partner priorities and sector trends to help shape future research directions.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of the Māori Partnerships Plan and wider Indigenous Innovation & Partnerships objectives.

Skills

te ao Māori

tikanga Māori

stakeholder management

communication

facilitation

influencing

project planning

Education

Tertiary qualification in business/science or related discipline

Job description

AgResearch seeks a Kaitūhono | Māori Partnerships Lead to build and strengthen trusted relationships with Māori organisations, iwi, hapū, trusts, incorporations and enterprises across Aotearoa. Working with Indigenous Partnerships & Engagement and Indigenous Research teams, you will support Māori-led, Māori-centred research and connect partners with science expertise.

This role sits at the interface of te ao Māori, research, innovation and partnership development, ensuring Māori voices,