Iwi Strategy and Partnerships Business Partner
Strengthen how DOC engages with Māori and communities across Aotearoa
Support strategic partnerships that deliver shared outcomes for nature, provide advice and hands-on support
$125,600 - $162,525depending on skills and experience
Permanent role, Wellingtonlocationpreferred
Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | TeOrangao teAo Tūroa
Mōtetūranga| 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 Partnerships Group.
This role supports the Public Affairs Group, which leads DOC's communications, marketing and engagement, strategic partnerships, Government and Ministerial Services, Risk and Assurance functions.
As a trusted strategic adviser and hands on practitioner, you will help ensure Māori perspectives and interests, Treaty commitments and partnership aspirations are understood and reflected in the way DOC communicates, engagesand builds relationships with communities and stakeholders.
You will work alongside Public Affairs leaders to build strong partnerships with iwi, Māori organisations and Māori businesses that support shared conservation outcomes.
You will identifyopportunities to grow collaboration, investmentand collective impact, while providingpractical advice that helps teams engage confidently and effectively with Māori audiences.
What you will be doing;
Providingstrategic advice on Treaty partnerships, Māori engagementand stakeholder relationships.
Supporting leaders to develop and maintaintrusted relationships and strategic partnerships with iwi, Māori enterprises, Māori networksand philanthropic organisations.
Advising on communications and engagement approaches that resonate with Treaty partners, Māori communitiesand broader audiences across Aotearoa.
Supporting the design and delivery of engagement strategies that strengthen trust, credibilityand long-term relationships.
Supporting honourable Treaty partnerships through constructive engagement, early issue resolutionand mana-enhancing ways of working.
Providing analysis and advice on Treaty implications, risks, opportunities and emerging issues within Public Affairs programmes and initiatives.
Designing and delivering workshops, coaching and capability-building activities that help our people engage confidently and effectively with Māori audiences
Acting as a conduit between Public Affairs and Iwi Strategy & Partnerships to ensure consistent, high-quality advice and practice.
Click here for theRole Description
Ngāpūkengame ngāwheako| Skills and experience
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
Deep understanding of Te Tiritio Waitangi, Crown-Māori relationships, Treaty settlements, and their practical application.
Demonstrated success building and sustaining strategic partnerships that deliver shared outcomes.
The ability to move confidently between strategy and delivery, providing advice while also helping teams put plans into practice.
Commercial awareness and experience working with iwi organisations, Māori businessesor other partnership-based initiatives.
Experience in communications, engagement, partnership developmentor related fields.
Strong knowledge of te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, and mātaurangaMāori.
Excellent strategic advisory, analytical, and written communication skills.
Strong relationship-building, facilitation, and influencing skills.
An understanding of government processes, machinery of government, and the broader Māori-Crown relationship context.
The ability to influence senior leaders, navigate complexity, and build trust across diverse stakeholders.
Sound judgement, cultural awareness, and a commitment to mana-enhancing engagement.
He aha ngāpāingamōu? | What’sin it for you?
DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’redriven by our valuesand behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.
We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahiacross Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader.
Tonoa inaiānei| Apply now
Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We’reunable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.
If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’lltry to accommodate.
Salary: $125,600 - $162,525depending on skills and experience.
Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that coversthe duration of employment.
Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.
Rāwhakakapi| Applications close at 11:59 pm on Friday, 2 October 2026. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly
Me he pātaianō, whakapāmai| For further enquiries, please contactEmily Blokker, [email protected]