Statutory Advisor | Kaitohu a-Ture

New Zealand Government; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is seeking a Statutory Advisor to provide high-quality statutory and regulatory advice for the Hauraki, Waikato & Taranaki region, with a Hamilton base and flexible hybrid options. You will help navigate complex legislation, apply Te Ao Māori perspectives, and support timely decision‑making.

Reporting to the Statutory and Community Manager, you will engage with iwi, hapu, applicants and stakeholders, build trusted relationships, and drive continuous

Qualifications

• Knowledge of NZ conservation and environmental legislation is advantageous.
• Experience applying policy, statutory processes and legislation to assess risk and priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality statutory and regulatory advice for complex issues.
• Apply Te Ao Māori perspectives to inform decisions and recommendations.
• Engage with iwi, hapu, applicants and stakeholders to support timely decisions.
• Identify efficiencies and drive continuous improvements in processes.
• Communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Regulatory analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Iwi/hapu relations

Policy interpretation

Communication

Education

Regulatory/ statutory law degree or related field

Job description

Hands on role, navigating legislation to protect what mattersPermanent Role | $80,695 - $101,951 | Hybrid working environmentHamilton based, open to considering other locations dependent on the candidateSupport the Hauraki, Waikato & Taranaki RegionNavigate complex statutory processes, build relationships, and contribute to meaningful Conservation outcomes!Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao TuroaMo te turanga | About the roleThe Department of Conservation (DOC) protects and manages Aotearoa New Zealand's natural and historic heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. Our Regional Operations Group is at the forefront of this work, delivering conservation outcomes that protect the landscapes, species, and ecosystems that make New Zealand unique.Reporting to the Statutory and Community Manager, the Statutory Advisor will manage the processing of permissions and other regulatory applications for the region, ensuring these are delivered efficiently, fairly, and in a way that reflects DOC's statutory obligations and partnership commitments.The position will be focussed on:Providing high-quality statutory and regulatory advice to resolve complex and strategic issues, with a strong understanding of natural resource management and Treaty responsibilitiesApplying knowledge of Te Ao Maori and iwi/hapu perspectives to inform advice, assessments, and recommendationsEngaging effectively with iwi, hapu, applicants, and stakeholders, building respectful and trusted relationships to support timely and well-informed decision-makingBringing a continuous improvement mindset to identify efficiencies, strengthen processes, and improve customer and partner experienceUsing your excellent communication skills to provide clear, culturally competent advice and updates to internal and external stakeholdersCollaborating across teams and disciplines, maintaining positive working relationships to keep work moving and deliver a high-quality regulatory serviceClick here for the Role DescriptionThis role is currently based in Hamilton, however we are open to considering candidates in other locations.Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experienceIf you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:A tertiary qualification in regulatory, statutory legal or a related field would be advantageousSome experience in applying policy, statutory processes, and legislation to assess risk, complexity, and priority, with an understanding of the natural resource policy environment. Knowledge of New Zealand conservation and environmental legislation, including associated statutory processes, would be advantageous.Analytical thinker with the ability to gather and interpret information to provide technical advice to applicants and stakeholdersExcellent communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and keep everything on track to meet deadlinesExperience understanding and applying iwi/ hapu perspective to inform decisionsProblem solving and continuous-improvement mentality, always seeking ways to improve systems and processesSolutions focussed and consistently act with integrity to deliver meaningful resultsA collaborative, team player who can build rapport easily with a range of people to get desired resultsUnderstands where the Maori-Crown relationship plays a key role in DOC's responsibilities and decision makingHe aha nga painga mou? | 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.We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader. Want to know more?Tonoa inaianei | Apply nowApply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We're unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we'll try to accommodate.Salary: $80,695 - $101,951, depending on skills and experience.Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.Ra whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 18th October.Me he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, [e-mail]