Principal Iwi Strategy and Partnerships Advisor

• Highly strategic and influential role that sits at the heart of strengthening Treaty partnerships and helping shape the future direction of conservation in Aotearoa

• Salary range between $110,033 - $145,000 depending on skills and experience

• Permanent role, Wellington location preferred

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role

We have a new DOC Treaty Operating Model that will strengthen how we work with Treaty partners and bring greater clarity to expectations, roles, and accountability across the organisation. This makes it an exciting time to join our Iwi Strategy and Group Partnerships. 

You will lead strategic initiatives that strengthen Treaty partnerships, embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles across DOC, and drive meaningful organisational change.

Working closely with the Kaihautū, Deputy Director-General, senior leaders, Treaty partners and government agencies, you will provide expert advice and lead complex programmes that shape strategy, influence decision-making and deliver positive outcomes for conservation and Māori.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the design, development and delivery of significant strategic initiatives and programmes.

• Supporting organisational strategy development, planning and implementation.

• Preparing high-quality advice, briefings correspondence, and papers for senior leaders, governance groups and Ministers, including analysis of complex issues and clear recommendations.

• Building and maintaining trusted relationships with whānau, hapū, iwi and key stakeholders, while supporting the stewardship of strategically significant Treaty partner relationships.

• Leading and coordinating governance and relationship management processes, including meeting preparation, briefing materials, action management and follow-through on commitments.

• Providing expert Treaty guidance across policy and operational initiatives, ensuring Te Tiriti and settlement commitments are appropriately considered in organisational decision-making.

• Identifying risks, opportunities and emerging trends, and recommending strategic responses.

• Leading cross-functional and cross-agency collaboration to achieve shared outcomes.

• Coaching and influencing others to strengthen organisational capability.

• Driving continuous improvement through evaluation, learning and innovation.

Click here for the Role Description 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You are a highly credible strategic advisor with deep expertise in Treaty partnerships and a track record of influencing complex organisational and system-wide change.

You bring a combination of political nous, relationship leadership and strategic thinking, and are comfortable operating in complex environments where partnership, collaboration and trust are critical to success.

You will ideally bring;

• Deep knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, its principles, and practical application across policy and operational settings.

• Strong understanding of Treaty settlements, redress mechanisms and their implications for organisational decision-making.

• Extensive experience working alongside iwi, hapū and Māori organisations, with well-established networks and relationships.

• Demonstrated success leading complex projects, programmes or strategic initiatives within large organisations.

• Strong understanding of New Zealand public sector frameworks and operating environments.

• Excellent relationship management, engagement and stakeholder influence skills.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated experience preparing high-quality advice, briefings, correspondence and strategic papers for senior leaders, governance groups and Ministers.

• Strong systems thinking, analytical and problem-solving capability, including the ability to assess complex issues, identify implications and risks, and provide sound recommendations.

• Experience influencing senior leaders and navigating complex stakeholder environments, including providing constructive challenge and strategic advice to support decision-making.

• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.

• Sound judgement and the ability to provide trusted advice in complex and politically sensitive environments.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default. 

Want to know more?

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.

Salary: $110,033 - $145,000, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment. 

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday, 5 October 2026.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Emily Blokker, Senior Recruitment Advisor [email protected]