Principal Geospatial Specialist - Hydrographic Chart Squad

Korero mo te turanga - About the role

Now is an exciting time to be part of the New Zealand Hydrographic Authority (NZHA), part of Toitu Te Whenua, Land Information New Zealand.

We are seeking a Work Leader to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement in chart production processes, whilst leading the delivery of critical and evolving navigational safety products for New Zealand waters, South West Pacific, and Antarctica.

Working collaboratively with the home leader, you will lead an existing skilled and passionate team, overseeing established business-as-usual processes.

There will also be opportunity to contribute expertise to our exciting Maritime Digital Transformation programme (MDT).

The NZHA is undergoing a major transformation to develop truly data-centric systems that align with emerging international hydrographic standards and technologies.

This work programme supports the International Hydrographic Organization's 'S-100 Implementation Decade' and will shape the future of navigation through new processes and digital products.

You will draw on your leadership strengths to manage complex programmes, engage stakeholders, and deliver high-quality outputs.

You will be responsible for New Zealand's navigational charting products, including notices to mariners, the nautical almanac, paper charts, and all electronic navigational chart publishing.

You will work closely with stakeholders to ensure our hydrographic products and services are fit for purpose—today and into the future.

You will also benefit from our unique structure, where the NZHA works alongside national topographic, geodetic positioning, and data services squads—offering excellent opportunities to collaborate across a wide range of activities.

He pukenga tou – Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven technical and team leadership experience managing operational production teams delivering maritime products and services.
• Strong customer-centric mindset with proven experience delivering products and services through a customer-first approach.
• Strong organisational skills, with a history of effectively managing workstreams, prioritising deliverables, and maintaining productive relationships with contractors and stakeholders.
• Ability to influence and negotiate priorities, working effectively within Agile principles.
• Proven track record in implementing operational improvements and optimising production environments.
• Commitment to sharing technical expertise, coaching, mentoring, and developing staff.
• Strong relationship-building skills, both internally and externally.
• Experience developing staff capability through coaching and mentoring.

Preferred, but not essential :

The expected appointing range for this role is between $130,000-140,000, depending on skills and experience.

Nga mea e tukuna ana e tatau – What we offer our employees

Te Takinatanga - Our Story

Toitu Te Whenua plays a vital role in understanding, developing, and caring for New Zealand's whenua, moana and arawai (land, sea, and waterways).

Whether you are developing our products and services to support our customers, managing the Crown estate, engaging with our iwi partners, or helping us be an effective regulator, your contribution can make a difference.

Our mahi helps New Zealanders have confidence that the development of our land, communities and country is being planned from an informed and expert position that balances environmental, social, cultural, and economic considerations.

Now and for future generations.

Our Kia Toipoto Intentions - Public Service Gender, Maori, Pacific, and Ethnic Pay Gap Action Plan

Toitu Te Whenua is a diverse team of individuals with different experience and perspectives.

This drives our culture and high performance.

We know that people from underrepresented groups and women in particular do not apply for roles if they are not a 100% match, but we are not looking for perfection, we are looking for potential.

As an inclusive and supportive employer, we value difference and want to encourage anyone interested to apply, regardless of whether you tick all the boxes or not.

As an organisation we embrace diversity, encourage work life balance, and have a flexible approach to the way we work which means you will quickly feel connected and valued.

Tono mai - How to Apply

If you are eyeing up this role and believe you have got what it takes, please apply, or contact the team.

To apply, please click "Apply Online."

You will be taken through to our Toitu Te Whenua Careers Centre where you will be able to review further information about the responsibilities and accountabilities of this role in the Position Description.

You will be able to complete your online application form and upload a copy of your CV / Cover Letter.

Please note, while applications close Sunday 19 October 2025, we may be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date.

Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.

For tracking and evaluation purposes, all applications must be submitted via our on-line process.

You must have, or be able to obtain, the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be eligible for this position.

You may notice that the Position Description title for this role (Matanga Tatai Wahi Matamua / Principal Geospatial Specialist level Wha / 4) does not match the advertised title.

At Toitu Te Whenua we design our roles around shared capabilities (rather than focusing on tasks).

This means our position descriptions are broad, one position description can cover many roles, this is known as Broad Based Role (BBR).

Using BBR allows us to be responsive to our customers and to strengthen the connections across our organisation.

It also gives us the flexibility to provide wider opportunities to our people, to further their careers.

If you have any questions about this role or working at Toitu Te Whenua, please email