Kaihautu Relationships and Engagement

About the role

Department of Conservation is seeking a senior and strategic leader to take on the Kaihautu – Relationships & Engagement position. This enterprise-level role sits within the Iwi Strategy and Partnerships Group and is central to strengthening how the organisation works alongside Treaty partners.

The role supports a new Treaty Operating Model designed to clarify responsibilities, expectations, and accountability across the organisation. It is responsible for helping DOC act as a respectful and honourable Treaty partner through strong, culturally grounded relationships and coordinated engagement across the business.

Reporting to the Deputy Director-General, Iwi Strategy and Partnerships, you will provide leadership for DOC’s relationships and engagement function, shape how the organisation engages with whānau, hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations, and make sure engagement is well coordinated, effective, and mana-enhancing.

This is a permanent position based in Wellington.

Key responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction, standards, and expectations for Treaty relationship and engagement practice across DOC.
• Lead a coordinated and strategic approach to iwi partnerships, commitments, and agreements.
• Manage key iwi and hapū relationships where delegated by the Director Deputy General.
• Create and embed tools, frameworks, and guidance that support high-quality engagement.
• Build and strengthen a network of Kaihautū, Pou, and Treaty Rangers.
• Lift capability across teams and the wider organisation through coaching, support, and communities of practice.
• Design tikanga-based engagement processes, including risk management and escalation pathways.
• Drive continuous improvement in engagement outcomes and reduce duplication across DOC.
• Work with senior leaders to embed engagement within strategy, policy, and operations.
• Lead in a culturally safe and mana-enhancing way, grounded in tikanga Māori.
• Help foster a collaborative, future-focused, and values-led culture.

Skills and experience

To succeed in this role, you will bring senior leadership experience, strong insight, and a genuine commitment to Treaty partnership.

• Deep knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Crown–Māori relationship.
• Strong understanding of kaupapa Māori frameworks and te ao Māori.
• Proven experience working with chief executives, senior leaders, and Ministers.
• Substantial understanding of the machinery of government.
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide relationships and engagement functions.
• Strong knowledge of Treaty settlements and their operational and policy impacts.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with Treaty partners and represent government in formal settings.
• Capability in system leadership, influence, and cross-agency collaboration.
• Experience leading large, complex programmes and high-performing leadership teams.
• A values-led approach with integrity, sound judgement, empathy, clarity, and the ability to work through complexity.

What’s on offer

DOC offers a workplace where people are supported to participate, thrive, and grow. The organisation is working toward a culture that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

Pay and employment details

The salary range for this permanent role is $153,600 to $220,800, depending on skills and experience.

Applicants must hold a valid New Zealand work visa that covers the full length of employment.

Recruitment agencies are not being used for this appointment.

Application process

Apply with your CV and a cover letter that outlines your relevant experience and motivation. Support can be provided if you need adjustments during the recruitment process.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday, 13 July 2026.

For further enquiries, contact Aleena Antony, Senior Recruitment Advisor, at aantony@doc.govt.nz.