Team Lead Tuora Mahi (Operations) | Nga Whenua Rahui

New Zealand Government; Opotiki; On-site; NZD 94,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government in Opotiki invites an experienced Team Lead to provide operational leadership and oversight of conservation work across Nga Whenua Rahui. You will lead a regional team, manage kawenata agreements, and ensure high-quality conservation outcomes on Maori-owned land.

The role emphasizes partnership building with iwi, hapu and landowners, strategic planning, health and safety, and delivering programmes with a focus on excellence and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Proven experience inspiring, leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong ability to coordinate operational programmes across regions.
• Conservation management knowledge including biodiversity and heritage.
• Excellent relationship management with iwi, hapu, whanau and landowners.
• Understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Treaty partnerships.
• Valid NZ driver license.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership and oversight of conservation activities in Central and Northern regions.
• Lead a regional team delivering programmes and projects for Nga Whenua Rahui.
• Build partnerships with Maori landowners and communities.
• Plan, deliver and monitor conservation work programmes.
• Manage resources, priorities and risk to meet objectives.

Skills

People leadership

Operational coordination

Conservation management

Relationship management

Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge

NZ driver license

Job description

Bring your effective operational leadership, coordination, and oversight to this roleLead conservation outcomes protecting Maori-owned whenua and biodiversityFull time, permanent role based in OpotikiSalary Range: $93,656 - $118,510, depending on skills and experienceSupport our kaupapa of protecting the natural integrity of Maori land and preserving matauranga MaoriOur vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao TuroaNga Whenua Rahui serves to encourage the voluntary protection of indigenous biodiversity on Maori owned land with special emphasis to recognise the cultural and spiritual values of those lands, while recognising the rights guaranteed to Maori Landowners under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.To learn more about Nga Whenua Rahui, visit Nga Whenua RahuiMo te turanga | About the roleAs Team Lead Tuora Mahi (Operations), you will provide operational leadership, coordination and oversight of conservation activities delivered across the Central and Northern regions. You will lead a team of passionate conservation professionals responsible for managing and supporting Nga Whenua Rahui kawenata agreements and ensuring high-quality delivery of conservation outcomes.This is a people leadership position focused on operational excellence, relationship management, and the successful delivery of conservation initiatives on protected Maori-owned land.The position will be focussed on:Lead, motivate and support a regional team delivering conservation programmes and projects.Provide operational oversight of conservation activities undertaken across Nga Whenua Rahui kawenata areas in the Central and Northern regions.Build and maintain strong partnerships with Maori landowners, whanau, hapu and iwi.Ensure conservation work programmes are planned, delivered and monitored effectively.Manage resources, priorities and risks to achieve organisational objectives.Support a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and high performance.Contribute to strategic planning and operational decision-making within Nga Whenua Rahui.Champion health, safety and wellbeing across field-based operations.Click here for the Role DescriptionNga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experienceWe're looking for an experienced operational leader who can combine strong people leadership with a genuine commitment to conservation and working in partnership with Maori.If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:Proven experience inspiring, leading and developing high-performing teams, with a strong drive for results through collaboration.Proven ability to coordinate operational programmes across geographically dispersed locations, supported by strong planning, prioritisation and problem-solving skills.Strong knowledge and practical experience in conservation management, including biodiversity protection, natural and cultural heritage, Maori landowner aspirations, and pest management programmes involving predator, ungulate and plant pest control.Exceptional relationship management and communication skills, with experience engaging and influencing iwi, hapu, whanau, Maori landowners, community groups and other stakeholders.Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, confidence working within tikanga Maori, and the ability to build meaningful Treaty partnerships and value exchange opportunities.A current full New Zealand driver license.The successful applicant will need to demonstrate their ability to network and connect with whanau/hapu/iwi across the Nga Whenua Rahui Central and North regional operational role.He 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.Want to know more?Tonoa inaianei | Apply nowApply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation.If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we'll try to accommodate.Salary: $93,656 - $118,510, 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 15th November. This advert may close early, so please apply promptlyMe he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries about this role, please contact Whakarae Henare, Pou Nga Whenua Rahui, [e-mail]. Please note, we're unable to accept applications via email or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.