Policy and Planning Principal

jam-hr; Rotorua; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Arawa River Iwi Trust in Rotorua seeks a senior policy leader to guide resource management and environmental policy, aligned with the Waikato River Settlement. You will report to the Chief Executive and work with the Board to shape strategic responses and submissions.

You will lead policy development, advise on regulatory planning, and foster strong relationships with iwi, government agencies and local authorities to advance settlement commitments and iwi aspirations.

Qualifications

• Extensive senior or principal-level experience in resource management, planning or environmental policy.
• Experience advising governance and executive leaders on policy matters.
• Demonstrated understanding of Treaty settlements and iwi role in environmental governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic policy analysis on legislation, reform and environmental issues affecting the Waikato River Settlement.
• Provide expert policy advice to the Chief Executive and Board on settlement matters.
• Lead development of submissions, position papers and strategic responses to planning processes.
• Advocate for Te Ture Whaimana, settlement commitments and iwi aspirations across government and councils.
• Build enduring relationships with affiliate iwi, Crown agencies, local government and partners.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen implementation of settlement commitments.

Skills

Resource management leadership

Policy analysis

Treaty settlements

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory planning

Policy communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in planning, environmental management, law, public policy or related discipline

Job description

Ko wai mātou | About us

Following a Waikato River Treaty settlement in December 2009, Te Arawa River Iwi Trust (TARIT) has been working to rejuvenate, protect and advance the health and wellbeing of the awa, tributaries and environment for future generations.

Our Trust represents the river interests of Ngāti Kearoa-Ngāti Tuara, Ngāti Tahu-Ngāti Whaoa and Tūhourangi-Ngāti Wāhiao. Guided by Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato, we work to uphold the mana of the awa through the exercise of mana whakahaere, mana whenua, kaitiakitanga and ahi kā.

Our role extends beyond environmental restoration. We are the kaitiaki of significant Treaty settlement commitments and work alongside iwi, local government, central government and key partners to ensure those commitments continue to be realised.

As Aotearoa undergoes the most significant reform of environmental and resource management legislation in a generation, this newly created role will help ensure our settlement aspirations, tikanga and mātauranga Māori continue to influence how decisions are made about our awa.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of freshwater management while giving practical effect to one of New Zealand's most significant Treaty settlements.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Reporting to the Chief Executive, this position leads the policy and planning portfolio, providing specialist advice on resource management, environmental legislation, and regulatory planning processes affecting the Waikato River Settlement and the interests of Te Arawa River Iwi.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading strategic policy analysis on legislation, resource management reform and environmental issues affecting the Waikato River Settlement.
• Providing expert advice to the Chief Executive and Board on emerging policy, planning and Treaty settlement matters.
• Leading the development of submissions, position papers and strategic responses to national, regional and local planning processes.
• Advocating for the recognition of Te Ture Whaimana, settlement commitments and iwi aspirations across government, local authorities and key decision-making forums.
• Building enduring relationships with affiliate iwi, Crown agencies, local government and strategic partners.
• Identifying opportunities to strengthen the implementation of Treaty settlement commitments and protect the long-term interests of Te Arawa River Iwi.
• Supporting the Trust to influence future environmental policy and planning frameworks through a kaupapa Māori lens.

Success in this role will depend on your ability to build trusted relationships, navigate complex political and policy environments and influence outcomes that protect the health and wellbeing of the awa and those who whakapapa to it.

Ko wai koe | About you

You're an experienced strategic policy leader who understands that great policy is about more than legislation—it's about people, place and protecting the aspirations of future generations.

You'll be comfortable operating at a senior level, advising governance and executive leaders, and representing the Trust with credibility across iwi, local government and central government.

You'll bring:

• Extensive senior or principal-level experience in resource management, planning, environmental policy, Treaty settlement implementation or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand's environmental and resource management system, including current legislative reform.
• A demonstrated understanding of Treaty of Waitangi principles, Treaty settlements and the unique role iwi play within environmental governance.
• The ability to interpret complex legislation and develop practical, strategic responses that protect iwi interests.
• Outstanding communication skills, with experience preparing influential policy advice, submissions, reports and presentations.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships across iwi, government, councils and strategic partners.
• A genuine commitment to kaupapa Māori and the ability to work confidently within tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori.
• An understanding of Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato, co-governance and freshwater management would be highly regarded.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in planning, environmental management, law, public policy or a related discipline.

This is more than a policy role.It is an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing implementation of a landmark Treaty settlement and help ensure the aspirations of Te Arawa River Iwi continue to shape the future of the Waikato Awa.

You'll join a small, passionate and high-performing team committed to protecting our taonga, strengthening iwi capability and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

The role is based in Rotorua.

The duties are normally worked Monday to Friday at the office, and there is flexibility for some remote work.

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.