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 (Māori Partnerships team) 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.

As our Senior Advisor - Māori Policy you'll be a key member of the Strategic Māori Partnerships team responsible for advancing Māori outcomes through the development of policy advice, strategy-aligned projects and systems improvements aligned with Te Toi Waka Whakarei (Māori Relationships Strategy). This role works across the organisation to embed Te Ao Māori and uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in council policy, planning and operations.

Ko wai koe | About you

You'll hold a tertiary qualification in Māori Studies, Public Policy, Law or a related field with at least 3 years demonstrated experience in policy analysis, submission drafting and the provision of strategic advice in a public sector or iwi/Māori organisation.

• Proven ability to manage and deliver projects aligned to Māori outcomes
• Strong written and verbal communications skills with the ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences
• Exceptional influencing skills
• Highly developed interpersonal skills
• A strong understanding of Te Ao Māori me ōna Tikanga

Key Accountabilities:

• Provide strategic advice through a Te Ao Māori lens for Council's policies and documents.
• Lead the development of processes and frameworks aligned with Te Toi Waka Whakarei (the Council's Māori Relationship Strategy).
• Track and interpret legislation and policy changes impacting Māori, iwi, and hapū.
• Translate complex government reforms into clear, practical advice for leaders and elected members.
• Draft high-quality submissions that reflect a commitment to Māori partnerships, working with internal teams and external partners.
• 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.

Ngā whaipainga |Our values

• We're always learning and improving - Toitū te Taumata
• We're passionate and proud - Toitū te Mauri Ora
• We work as one team - Toitū te Mahi Tahi
• We put people at the heart of everything we do - Toitū te Tangata
• We care about our environment - Toitū te Taiao

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

Apply now via our careers site with your CV and a cover letter telling us why you're right for the role.

Applications close 26 January 2026.