Kaihautu Hoahoa Punaha | Principal Analyst Systems Design And Evaluation

Job Type : Permanent | Full Time

Location : Christchurch, New Zealand

Job Category : Government, Defence & Emergency

Lead kaupapa Maori evaluation and systems design

Partner with Ngai Tahu and support transformational change

Influence how Environment Canterbury works as a Treaty partner

Kia hiwa ra!

Kia hiwa ra!

He turanga nui tenei ma tetahi tangata matau ki te ao Maori, ma tetahi tangata kaingakau ki te hoahoa punaha me te aromatawai hei whakapakari i te hononga Tiriti.

Ki te mea e rata ana koe ki te mahi ngatahi me nga Papatipu Runanga, e mohio ana ki te whakamahi i te matauranga Maori hei arataki hei whakatika i te ara ki mua, tena, tonoa mai!

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | About Environment Canterbury

Waitaha - our Canterbury region - is like no other and we are proud to call it home.

We have the privilege of working with Papatipu Runanga, stakeholders and our wider community to protect our environment, including water, land and air through regulation and planning.

As a Regional Council we're responsible for flood protection, public transport, civil defence and more.

Together we're taking action to shape a thriving and resilient Canterbury, now and for future generations.

Toito te marae o Tane, toito te marae o Tangaroa, toito te tangata | if the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive.

Korero mN te TNranga | About the Role

This senior technical role sits within the Pou Hononga team and provides high-quality, timely and insightful advice to support systems design, evaluation and innovation aligned with our Tiriti partnership outcomes.

You'll work closely with our partners, Papatipu Runanga, and colleagues across the organisation to analyse and evaluate projects, processes and innovations that improve how we deliver partnership outcomes.

Key Responsibilities Include

Leading the development of kaupapa Maori-aligned evaluative frameworks and systems design approaches

Co-design evaluation and analysis with iwi and stakeholders to build Tiriti partnership capability

Monitor, analyse and report on key strategic outcomes and partnership progress

Provide trusted technical advice to senior leaders and the Executive team

Strengthen organisational capability to work confidently and consistently as a Tiriti partner

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Mu | About You

As Kaihautun Hoahoa × Punaha, you will lead kaupapa Maori-aligned approaches that connect matauranga Maori with evaluation and organisational learning.

You will help drive transformational change across Environment Canterbury, designing frameworks that measure the effectiveness of our partnerships and the impact of our work on te mana o te wai and te oranga o te taiao.

This role suits someone who is analytical, creative, grounded in te ao Maori, and passionate about using design, data and insight to strengthen our Tiriti partnership.

You'll be a systems thinker who can translate kaupapa Maori principles into practical evaluation and design approaches.

You'll bring a depth of experience working alongside iwi and within complex political and organisational settings.

You Will Also Bring

Demonstrated experience leading kaupapa Maori evaluation, systems design or innovation

Strong analytical capability, with both qualitative and quantitative skills

Proven ability to influence and build relationships across diverse groups

An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in a government or policy context

Strong knowledge or commitment to te reo Maori me ?na tikanga Maori

At least 3–5 years' experience in senior or advisory roles focused on design, evaluation or transformation

Relevant qualifications could include Maori development, evaluation, organisational design, environmental management, systems change, or a related discipline.

MNtu a-Wheako | Experience

You'll have experience working in complex systems and be confident designing and evaluating kaupapa Maori frameworks that connect matauranga Maori with organisational learning and improvement.

You will have a track record of leading projects or programmes that require both strategic thinking and cultural competence.

To Enjoy This Role, You'll Have

Experience working with hapuu, iwi or Maori organisations to co-design solutions that deliver tangible outcomes

Strong understanding of kaupapa Maori evaluation, systems design or innovation in practice

Demonstrated experience in interpreting and communicating data, insights and evidence to influence decision-making

Familiarity with local or central government environments and their policy or regulatory settings

A deep appreciation of the values, tikanga and kawa that guide partnership with mana whenua, particularly Ngai Tahu

Nga hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | Working at Environment Canterbury

Our Mahi Is Underpinned By Our Values

Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)

Pononga (integrity)

Manaakitanga (people first)

Whanaungatanga (collaboration)

Maiatanga (can do)

We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment.

We value everyone's contribution, diverse thinking and skills.

We're on a journey to become a Tiriti partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Maori into our work.

We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Maori, matauranga Maori, and te reo Maori in our daily work.

We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Maori journey.

Ko etahi atu korero | Additional Information

For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Ivan Tava on

Applications close on Sunday, 16 November.

Applications will be reviewed as we receive them, and interviews may take place before the close date.

We reserve the right to close advertising early.

Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check.

Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role.

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.

If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

Me mahi tahi tn tn - Together we can

Job Description

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