Principal Iwi Strategy and Partnerships Advisor

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation (DOC) seeks a highly strategic advisor to strengthen Treaty partnerships and help shape conservation policy in Aotearoa. The role sits at the heart of the Treaty Operating Model, with a salary between NZD 110,033 and NZD 145,000 for the right experience.

Permanent position based in Wellington. Key responsibilities include leading strategic initiatives, advising senior leaders, and building trusted relationships with iwi and stakeholders, while ensuring Te Tiriti

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application across policy and operational settings.
• Experience working with iwi, hapū and Māori organisations, with well-established networks.
• Proven track record leading complex projects or strategic initiatives in large organisations.
• Strong understanding of NZ public sector frameworks and operating environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for senior leaders and Ministers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development and delivery of significant strategic initiatives and programmes.
• Support organisational strategy development, planning and implementation.
• Prepare high-quality advice, briefings, correspondence and papers for senior leaders, governance groups and Ministers.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with whānau, hapū, iwi and key stakeholders.
• Lead governance and relationship management processes, including meeting prep and follow-through on commitments.
• Provide expert Treaty guidance across policy and operational initiatives.
• Identify risks, opportunities and emerging trends, and recommend strategic responses.
• Lead cross-functional and cross-agency collaboration to achieve shared outcomes.
• Coach and influence others to strengthen organisational capability.
• Drive continuous improvement through evaluation, learning and innovation.

Skills

Treaty knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Strategic thinking

Governance experience

Relationship management

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Highly strategic and influential role that sits at the heart of strengthening Treaty partnerships and helping shape the future direction of conservation in Aotearoa. Salary range between $110,033 - $145,000 depending on skills and experience. Permanent role, Wellington location preferred. Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa Mō te tūranga |

About the role

We have a new'DOC'Treaty Operating Model'that will'strengthen how we work with Treaty partners and bring greater clarity to expectations, roles, and accountability across the organisation. This makes it an exciting time to join our Iwi Strategy and'Group'Partnerships.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the design, development and delivery of significant strategic initiatives and programmes.
• Supporting organisational strategy development, planning and implementation.
• Preparing high-quality advice, briefings correspondence, and papers for senior leaders, governance groups and Ministers, including analysis of complex issues and clear recommendations.
• Building and maintaining trusted relationships with whānau, hapū, iwi and key stakeholders, while supporting the stewardship of strategically significant Treaty partner relationships.
• Leading and coordinating governance and relationship management processes, including meeting preparation, briefing materials, action management and follow-through on commitments.
• Providing expert Treaty guidance across policy and operational initiatives, ensuring Te Tiriti and settlement commitments are appropriately considered in organisational decision-making.
• Identifying risks, opportunities and emerging trends, and recommending strategic responses.
• Leading cross-functional and cross-agency collaboration to achieve shared outcomes.
• Coaching and influencing others to strengthen organisational capability.
• Driving continuous improvement through evaluation, learning and innovation.

Skills and experience

You are a highly credible strategic advisor with deep expertise in Treaty partnerships and a track record of influencing complex organisational and system-wide change. You bring a combination of political nous, relationship leadership and strategic thinking, and are comfortable operating in complex environments where partnership, collaboration and trust are critical to success. You will ideally bring;

• Deep knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, its principles, and practical application across policy and operational settings.
• Strong understanding of Treaty settlements, redress mechanisms and their implications for organisational decision-making.
• Extensive experience working alongside iwi, hapū and Māori organisations, with well-established networks and relationships.
• Demonstrated success leading complex projects, programmes or strategic initiatives within large organisations.
• Strong understanding of New Zealand public sector frameworks and operating environments.
• Excellent relationship management, engagement and stakeholder influence skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated experience preparing high-quality advice, briefings, correspondence and strategic papers for senior leaders, governance groups and Ministers.
• Strong systems thinking, analytical and problem-solving capability, including the ability to assess complex issues, identify implications and risks, and provide sound recommendations.
• Experience influencing senior leaders and navigating complex stakeholder environments, including providing constructive challenge and strategic advice to support decision-making.
• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.
• Sound judgement and the ability to provide trusted advice in complex and politically sensitive environments.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.

Rā whakakapi

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday, 5 October 2026.

For further enquiries, please contact Emily Blokker, Senior Recruitment Advisor [e-mail].

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