Strategic Iwi Partnerships Lead

Department of Conservation (DOC); Wellington; On-site; NZD 126,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation (DOC) in Wellington is seeking a trusted strategic adviser to lead Treaty partnerships and Māori engagement within the Public Affairs Group.

You will provide advice, build durable partnerships with iwi and Māori enterprises, and help teams plan and deliver engagement strategies that advance shared conservation outcomes.

This permanent role offers a NZD 125,600–162,525 salary depending on skills and experience, with flexible working options considered.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Crown‑Māori relationships, Treaty settlements, and their practical application.
• Demonstrated success building and sustaining strategic partnerships that deliver shared outcomes.
• The ability to move confidently between strategy and delivery, providing advice while also helping teams put plans into practice.
• Commercial awareness and experience working with iwi organisations, Māori businesses or other partnership‑based initiatives.
• Experience in communications, engagement, partnership development or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, and mātauranga Māori.
• Excellent strategic advisory, analytical, and written communication skills.
• Strong relationship‑building, facilitation, and influencing skills.
• An understanding of government processes, machinery of government, and the broader Māori‑Crown relationship context.
• The ability to influence senior leaders, navigate complexity, and build trust across diverse stakeholders.
• Sound judgement, cultural awareness, and a commitment to mana‑enhancing engagement.

Responsibilities

• Providing strategic advice on Treaty partnerships, Māori engagement and stakeholder relationships.
• Supporting leaders to develop and maintain trusted relationships and strategic partnerships with iwi, Māori enterprises, Māori networks and philanthropic organisations.
• Advising on communications and engagement approaches that resonate with Treaty partners, Māori communities and broader audiences across Aotearoa.
• Supporting the design and delivery of engagement strategies that strengthen trust, credibility and long‑term relationships.
• Supporting honourable Treaty partnerships through constructive engagement, early issue resolution and mana‑enhancing ways of working.
• Providing analysis and advice on Treaty implications, risks, opportunities and emerging issues within Public Affairs programmes and initiatives.
• Designing and delivering workshops, coaching and capability‑building activities that help our people engage confidently and effectively with Māori audiences
• Acting as a conduit between Public Affairs and Iwi Strategy & Partnerships to ensure consistent, high‑quality advice and practice.

Skills

Te Tiriti understanding

Partnership development

Strategy to delivery

Commercial awareness

Communications experience

Māori knowledge

Strategic advisory

Relationship building

Government processes

Influence senior leaders

Judgement and cultural awareness

Job description

The Department of Conservation (DOC) in Wellington is seeking a trusted strategic adviser to lead Treaty partnerships and Māori engagement within the Public Affairs Group.

You will provide advice, build durable partnerships with iwi and Māori enterprises, and help teams plan and deliver engagement strategies that advance shared conservation outcomes.

This permanent role offers a NZD 125,600–162,525 salary depending on skills and experience, with flexible working options considered.