Pae Manawa / Principal Liaison Officer
Public Defence Service - New Zealand
Gisborne, New Zealand · Full Time
Be the first to apply
- Experience
- Any
- Salary
- NZD 85,562 – NZD 116,273 / year
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 1 week ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Eligibility
- Applicants must hold a valid New Zealand work permit or be New Zealand residents.
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
Job description
Overview of the Role
We are seeking a Pae Manawa / Principal Liaison Officer to join our Māori Land Court team based in Gisborne. This key position offers a unique opportunity to apply your expertise in relationship management to foster positive engagements and outcomes for Māori landowners with the Māori Land and Māori Appellate Courts.
Primary Responsibilities
The role encompasses providing expert facilitation, assessment, analysis, and informational services that empower Māori landowners and court clients to access specialist guidance and professional support. Facilitating the occupation, utilization, and development of Māori land and assets is a core aspect, achieved through proactive relationship building and partnerships with iwi, hapū, Māori organizations, government bodies, and external service providers. The role includes organizing seminars and educational events for Māori landowners and court customers.
Skills and Experience
- Proven leadership capabilities with excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Comprehensive understanding of the principles embedded in the Treaty of Waitangi.
- Established ability in managing relationships effectively between Māori and Crown entities.
- Practical business acumen relevant to Māori land contexts.
- Strong networking, brokering, facilitation, and customer service expertise.
- Deep knowledge and connections with local iwi, hapū, and Māori organizations.
- Extensive experience working with Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 and associated legislation.
- Background in public relations, customer service, or media management.
- Respectful knowledge of tikanga and te reo Māori, alongside a commitment to deepen understanding of Te Ao Māori.
Additional qualities include flexibility, composure, resilience, and confidence operating both within the court environment and in external settings. The role requires occasional travel to support regional and national initiatives, and a valid New Zealand driver’s license is mandatory.
About Our Team
As part of the Ministry of Justice, we are dedicated to creating a fair and safe Aotearoa. We foster a supportive, culturally enriched workplace where employees feel included and valued as part of our family. Joining our team means becoming part of an inclusive organization that prioritizes wellbeing, safety, respect, and celebrates diversity.
About the Māori Land Court
The Māori Land Court is a court of record established under Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, recognizing Māori land as a treasured heritage. Recent 2020 amendments enhance the Act to better support Māori landowners' aspirations. The Court’s mission includes promoting retention and effective use, management, and development of Māori land in the hands of its owners. It also serves as the custodian of land whakapapa, representing the interconnectedness of people and land.
Additional Information
- Permanent full-time employment.
- Salary range between $85,562 and $116,273 annually, dependent on skills and experience.
- Applicants must hold a current New Zealand work permit or be residents to be eligible.
- Application deadline: 4 August 2026.