Senior Iwi Strategy and Partnerships Advisor

About the Role

Join the Department of Conservation at a pivotal moment as it implements a new Treaty Operating Model to enhance engagement and accountability with Treaty partners. As a Senior Iwi Strategy and Partnerships Advisor, you will play a vital role in guiding DOC's Treaty and iwi partnership commitments. This permanent position based preferably in Wellington involves collaborating with the Iwi Strategy & Partnerships group and other teams to provide strategic advice, foster meaningful relationships with iwi, hapū and whānau, and embed the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi throughout DOC’s work. Multiple roles are available across several teams including Relationships and Engagement, Monitoring and Assurance, Capability Development, and Strategy and Policy.

Key Responsibilities

• Offer strategic and operational guidance on Treaty partnerships and iwi engagement initiatives.
• Lead and manage projects, programmes, and workstreams that enhance DOC’s partnership frameworks.
• Develop and sustain productive relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders including iwi, hapū, whānau, and partners.
• Assist with implementing the Treaty Operating Model across the organisation.
• Prepare detailed Treaty policy advice, analyses, and recommendations for senior leadership consideration.
• Support planning and execution of engagement activities such as hui, wānanga, and collaborative inter-agency programs.
• Monitor project progress, evaluate risks and opportunities, and promote continuous improvements.

Additionally, for those in the Strategy and Policy team, the role includes supporting the Deputy Director-General with strategic advisory duties, coordination, executive reporting, and aiding cross-functional initiatives, offering opportunities to impact high-level decision-making in a dynamic environment.

Required Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated knowledge and application of Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi within public sector settings.
• Experience utilizing data to develop monitoring and assurance frameworks to strengthen accountability and informed decision-making.
• Understanding of Treaty settlement redress implications for conservation and Crown-Māori relationships.
• Proven experience working within kaupapa Māori environments alongside iwi, hapū, and whānau.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, capable of simplifying complex information into accessible advice.
• Leadership experience managing projects, workstreams, or organisational initiatives.
• Exceptional relationship management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Experience advising and influencing senior leaders in large organisations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively, manage complexity, and facilitate positive outcomes across diverse organisational structures.

Benefits

You’ll be part of a workplace culture that values inclusiveness, equity, and diversity, committed to providing opportunities for participation, growth, and development. Flexible working arrangements are supported across New Zealand based on role necessities and agreements with leadership.

Additional Information

• Positions are permanent with multiple vacancies available.
• Salary ranges from $93,656 to $126,500 NZD annually, depending on skills and experience.
• Preferred location is Wellington with full onsite presence required.
• Applicants must hold a valid New Zealand work visa covering the employment duration.
• Recruitment agencies are not engaged for this position.
• Application deadline: 11:59 pm, Wednesday, 12 August 2026; early applications encouraged as the advert may close sooner.
• For accessibility or recruitment process adjustments, notify the employer promptly.