Deputy Director

**Tumuaki Pae Whaitake Tiriti, Deputy Director - General, Iwi Strategy and Partnerships**
- Are you a strategic leader with deep experience in Treaty partnerships, te ao Maori, and public sector leadership?
- Join DOC's Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Wellington location. Permanent full time.

**Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Turoa**
The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko ta Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora ano hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

**Mo te turanga | About the role**
He turanga nui tenei hei whakatinana i te hononga Tiriti i runga i te ngakau Maori. Ma tenei mahi e whakakaha ai te rangapu pono ki nga whanau, hapu, me nga iwi puta noa i Aotearoa, a, ka u hoki ki nga matapono o te ao Maori. Hei wahanga o te Tira Tumuaki Matua, ka arahi te Tumuaki Pae Whaitake Tiritii te whakaunga o te rautaki a Te Papa Atawhai, te whakawhanake i te matauranga ahurea o te tari, me te whakahaere i nga kaupapa matua e ahu mai ana i te ao Maori. Ka ata tirotiro hoki i nga kawenga Tiriti, a, ka whakarite kia tu pakari te whakahaere i raro i te maru o te Tiriti o Waitangi. He mahi e whakahonore ana i te mana o te ao Maori, a, e whakatairanga ana i te kotahitanga o nga tikanga, nga wawata, me te tirohanga Maori i roto i nga mahi a te kawanatanga.

This is a significant role in realising Treaty partnerships through a Maori lens. It strengthens genuine relationships with whanau, hapu, and iwi across Aotearoa, grounded in the values and principles of te ao Maori. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, the Deputy Director-General will lead the implementation of DOC's strategy, build the organisation's cultural knowledge, and oversee key programmes rooted in te ao Maori. The role also ensures oversight of Treaty obligations, helping to ensure the organisation stands strong under the framework of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This is work that honours the mana of te ao Maori and uplifts the unification of Maori worldviews, aspirations, and tikanga within government practice.

You will:

- Drive DOC's strategic Treaty partnership approach
- Lead the development of enduring relationships with iwi, hapu and whanau, including those in settlement negotiations.
- Oversee Nga Whenua Rahui, enhancing biodiversity on whenua Maori.
- Champion the integration of matauranga Maori and kaupapa Maori methodologies into DOC's conservation practices.
- Provide assurance and oversight of DOC's Treaty settlement obligations and performance.
- Convene and support Maori staff networks and capability development across DOC.

**Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience**
To be successful in this role, you will bring a unique blend of strategic leadership, cultural fluency, and deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. You will be an experienced executive who can navigate complexity, build trust with iwi and Maori partners, and lead transformational change within a large public sector organisation.

We are looking for someone who has the following skills and experience;
- In-depth knowledge of Maori-Crown relations, kaupapa Maori frameworks, and matauranga Maori relevant to conservation.
- Executive leadership experience in a large, complex organisation, with a track record of leading change and delivering results.
- Strong people leadership, with the ability to coach, mentor, and inspire senior teams.
- Astute decision-making and strategic reasoning, with the ability to navigate complex systems and high-stakes environments.
- Collaborative leadership, fostering trust and alignment across DOC and with external partners.
- Deep understanding of Treaty settlements, government systems, and public sector processes.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills, able to influence across iwi, government, and international fora.
- Commercial and financial acumen, with experience managing risk and negotiating complex agreements.
- Outstanding communication skills, able to engage sensitively and clearly with diverse audiences.

**Click here for the Role Description**

**He aha nga painga mou? | What's in it for you?**
DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. You can learn more about what we offer here.

**Our Values**
At The Department of Conservation, everyone's journey is unique. This is a place where nature thrives because people do. Where your growth fuels our purpose. We are guided by values that matter:

- **Integrity**, because trust and honesty are non-negotiable.
- **Empowerment**, because when we lift each other, we all rise higher.
- **Connection**, because collaboration sparks progress.
- **Achievement**, because results mean more when they create real impact.

The fixed package salary range for this role is between $276,250 - $357,500. Actual appoint