Kaihautu Rautaki | Principal Strategic Advisor - Kaupapa Maori

Overview

As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land.

We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngai Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

The region's evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.

Our mahi is organised around the delivery of our three core services :

Environmental Regulation and Protection

Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards

Public Transport

This is a full-time role that will lead the development and presentation of kaupapa Maori strategy, policy and planning advice to give effect to Council and Papatipu Runanga partnership expectations.

This role will also mentor and coach team members to develop their technical strategic advisory skills.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and presentation of kaupapa Maori strategy, policy and planning advice to fulfil Tiriti partnership commitments and Council priorities.

Mentor and coach team members to develop their technical strategic advisory skills.

Develop and present strategic advice to ensure initiatives and commitments are put into action and can be monitored and reported on.

What we are looking for

5+ years' experience providing strategy, policy and planning advice in kaupapa Maori, preferably within large, complex, or regulated organisations.

Demonstrated experience providing high-quality, timely and nuanced technical advice, information and insights.

A firm understanding of working within an organisation with a strong regulatory framework and nga kaupapa taiao / Maori resource management obligations.

Expert knowledge of local and central government, programme and policy management experience and working at the political interface.

Proven relationship building and communication skills, with the ability to facilitate, resolve, influence and engage at all levels.

Demonstrable experience working with hapu and iwi and / or within Maori communities and an active commitment to upholding the values, tikanga, kawa of cultural practice and traditions as guided by mana whenua, Ngai Tahu; strong knowledge of the Ngai Tahu tribal context is desirable.

A deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (and its application in a public sector environment).

A relevant tertiary qualification in a related specialty or other relevant technical experience (e.g., leadership, Maori development, environmental management, local government, systems change).

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively across a diverse range of people and organisations.

Strong networking, influencing and relationship-building skills to bring together diverse groups in complex or sensitive situations to reach outcomes.

Demonstrated ability to work with Ngai Tahu whanau, hapu and iwi with a commitment to upholding values, tikanga and kawa as guided by mana whenua, Ngai Tahu, and knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in work programmes.

Requirements

You will have a relevant tertiary qualification in a related specialty that recognises the expertise which makes you fit for the role and / or other relevant technical experience (e.g., leadership, Maori development, environmental management, local government, systems change).

Values and Our Way of Working

Our mahi is underpinned by our values : We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity enables us to better serve our people, our community, and our environment.

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

We are on a journey to become a Treaty 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.

Application Information

Applications close on Sunday 19 October 2025.

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.

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