Kaitohu Matua Treaty Partner Relationships

• Lead the development and implementation of a District Treaty Partner Strategy and ongoing work programme to fulfil Treaty obligations

• Take advantage of a range of development and training opportunities across the organisation.

• Salary ranges from $80054 to $101142 depending on skills and experience

• Permanent full-time opportunity based in Rotorua

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives we all thrive.

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao he oranga tangata.

Mō te tūranga About the role

Are you passionate about te taiao and keen to be at the leading edge of iwi partnership and conservation leadership in Rotorua

As Kaitohu Matua Treaty Partner Relationships you will work hand in hand with Treaty Partners at both iwi and hapū level to co-design implement and deliver on exciting projects and kaupapa. You will play a strategic role in the wider team working alongside your peers to ensure our treaty partner is a priority and remains at the forefront for delivery including Treaty settlement obligations.

The position will be focussed on:

• Identifying gaps in Treaty settlement implementation obligations across the district and work with the operations team to plan for and remedy the gaps.

• Scope work arising from new Treaty settlements and work with the management team to operationalise conservation and commercial opportunities for iwi.

• Coordinate legal input to interpret settlement documents and ensure the implementation plan fulfils the intent of the settlement.

• Facilitate coordination of annual business planning meetings with Treaty partners.

• Support coordination of regular meetings with Treaty partners to develop review and amend implementation of relevant agreements charters and protocols.

• Scope plan manage and deliver specific agreed initiatives.

• Support relevant managers director and other staff with the strategic collaboration meetings with our Treaty partners.

• Support opportunities for whānau hapū and iwi to build their internal capabilities to practice their responsibilities as kaitiaki.

• Support the Operational Leadership Team to develop a regional framework to identify and implement DOCs obligations to Post Settlement Governance Entities (PSGEs).

• Keep up to date with the iwi landscape in Rotorua and ensure this information is shared with operations.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako Skills and experience

We are looking for a natural people leader who is passionate about supporting a positive team culture. You will have great communication and engagement skills allowing a heightened sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. You will know how to engage effectively with mana whenua and show a willingness to learn karakia pepeha and local tikanga to develop your capability in this area allowing you to work effectively with whānau hapū and iwi.

If you have some of following we are keen to hear from you:

• Te Reo me ona tikanga Māori

• Sound statutory knowledge of Treaty settlement processes and specific settlements in the area

• Open minded approach with the desire to create opportunities through an evolving space

• Ability to navigate and balance differing perspective

• Excellent communication and relationship building skills across a diverse range of people and organisations

• Technical writing skills and ability to create clear well written content for complex information

• Knowledge of Rotorua Iwi history traditions and customary practices

• Ability to see the big picture and enthusiasm to find workable practical solutions

• Full New Zealand driver licence

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He aha ngā pāinga mōu Whats in it for you

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate thrive and grow. Were working towards being an organisation that is diverse equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kaimahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

Tonoa inaiānei Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note due to the high volume of applications we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $80054 to $101142 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Due to high volumes we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Rā whakakapi Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 8th March 2026.

Me he pātai anō whakapā mai For further enquiries please contact Zane Jensen Operations Manager at