Partnership Delivery Lead

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency invites applications for a Partnership Delivery Lead to drive the organisation-wide implementation of the Te Kete National Standard for iwi engagement across delivery, maintenance and operations. The role requires strong stakeholder leadership and strategic collaboration with mana whenua to embed consistent practice.

The successful candidate will develop the forward work programme, support tools and change approaches, and provide trusted advice to senior leaders

Qualifications

• Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and advisory skills.
• Understanding of infrastructure development and asset management.
• Fluent te reo Māori; ability to communicate with a broad audience.
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Crown obligations.
• Experience embedding standardised practice at large organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation-wide implementation of NZTA’s new guide for engaging with Māori in project delivery, maintenance, and operations.
• Support NZTA and its contractors to meet Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.
• Develop forward work programme, tools, and change approach to strengthen capability.
• Provide trusted strategic advice to senior leaders and measure benefits.
• Represent NZTA in hui and kōrero with iwi and hapū to build partnerships.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Advisory skills

Te reo Māori knowledge

Change leadership

Education

Tertiary qualification in a relevant field

Job description

## Partnership Delivery LeadApply: Auckland: Hamilton: Palmerston North: Christchurch: Wellington: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: October 5, 2026 (12 days left to apply): JR-0000013288* Lead the organisation-wide implementation of NZTA’s new guide for engaging with Māori in project delivery, maintenance and operations* Support NZTA and its contractors to deliver on its legislative and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations* Permanent opportunity based in Auckland / Wellington / Hamilton / Palmerston North / Christchurch The purpose of this role is to lead and support NZTA’s delivery and asset management business group to deliver their work in a way that meets NZTA’s legal and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, supports the delivery of NZTA’s strategy, and builds enduring relationships with mana whenua. You will lead the implementation and embedding of a standardised approach to project and programme iwi engagement (Te Kete National Standard), developing the forward work programme, supporting tools and a high-quality change approach that strengthens organisational capability. You will also provide trusted strategic advice to senior leaders, help incorporate Te Kete into relevant transport standards and guidance, and measure and report on the benefits being achieved.Representing NZTA in hui and kōrero with iwi and hapū will be an important part of the role. Your focus will be on providing clear national direction and ensuring our people are well equipped through a standardised and effective framework to engage and partner effectively with Māori, rather than supporting individual infrastructure projects.Click **here** to view the position description.**Ko koe tēnei | About you**To be successful in this role, you will bring:* Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and advisory skills, with the ability to provide trusted and pragmatic advice to senior leaders.* An understanding of infrastructure development and delivery, asset management, maintenance and operational environments.* Strong knowledge of Te Ao Māori along with the ability to fluently communicate in te reo Māori to a broad audience.* Expertise in developing effective, best-practice partnerships with Māori.* A strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Crown obligations, Treaty settlement commitments and relevant legislative requirements* Experience embedding standardised practice at an organisational or system level within a large or complex environment.* Change leadership experience would be advantageous.You will also hold a relevant tertiary qualification, or bring equivalent demonstrated experience and expertise gained through professional, iwi, hapū or community leadership pathways.**Ko wai mātou | About us**Te Mātangi – Māori Partnerships is part of Te Waka Kōtuia – Engagement and Partnerships. The team is responsible for supporting the delivery of Te Ara Kotahi | Our Māori Strategy, helping the wider organisation engage effectively with Māori, and building the capability needed to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes for Māori and NZTA.**Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply**Please click**‘Apply for this Job’** to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitabilit.**Rā Katinga | Applications close:**4 October 2026For further information, email: [e-mail] be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.