Join our team at Whakatāne District Council in the growing Māori relationship unit, Toi Kōtuia. We offer competitive remuneration, a supportive team culture, and hybrid working opportunities.

Are you passionate about fostering strong relationships and integrating Te Ao Māori perspectives into policies and initiatives? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

Ko wai mātau | About Us

Whakatāne District Council serves a vibrant community of nearly 40,000 people in the beautiful eastern Bay of Plenty. With a rich history and a strong cultural identity, we are committed to working as one team, putting people at the heart of everything we do, and caring for our environment. We value a balanced work-life approach and offer a friendly, supportive work environment.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About This Role

Toi Kōtuia is at the forefront of directing and supporting the Council in building effective relationships with Iwi, and hapū and ensuring our processes, frameworks, and structures are fit for purpose. Our mission is to nurture relationships and align organisational policies and initiatives with the aspirations and perspectives of iwi and hapū. Our work programme is ambitious because the need is great and the opportunity immense.

Key Accountabilities:

• Provide strategic advice through a Te Ao Māori lens for Council's policies and documents.
• Foster internal collaboration for engaging with iwi, hapū, and whānau, lead Council's engagement with iwi, and identify risks and opportunities through relationship coordination.
• Lead the development of processes and frameworks aligned with Te Toi Waka Whakarei (the Council's Māori Relationship Strategy).
• Oversee projects to ensure they align with Māori perspectives and values, contributing to project teams and managing budgets effectively.
• Provide accurate guidance, identify critical issues and solutions, and produce reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Ko wai koe | About You

Join our high-trust, high-impact agile team, and help us build a better future together. The ideal candidate will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Public Policy, Law, Indigenous Studies, or a related field.
• A minimum of five years of experience in a similar role, focusing on Māori policy.
• A strong understanding of Te Ao Māori me ōna Tikanga and expertise in legislative processes and compliance.
• Experience in Māori systems and structures, including Whenua Māori and Post-Settlement Governance Entities.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively, with strong attention to detail, time management, and continuous improvement skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, capable of leading and influencing others.
• Authenticity, energy, self-awareness, and a genuine commitment to our kaupapa.

Benefits: Enjoy five weeks of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and access to local natural attractions like rivers, lakes, forests, and beaches.

Our Values

• Toitū te Taumata: Always learning and improving
• Toitū te Mauri Ora: Passionate and proud
• Toitū te Mahi Tahi: Working as one team
• Toitū te Tangata: Putting people at the heart of everything we do
• Toitū te Taiao: Caring for our environment

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to Apply

We're eager to fill this role quickly, so applications will be reviewed as they are received. If you're ready to make a significant impact, embrace Te Ao Māori values, and foster meaningful relationships, we invite you to join us. Apply today and help shape a more inclusive and culturally responsive future for our community!

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Donna Cowdery, Toi Kōtuia Manager on 07 306 0500.