Ngāi Tahu Representatives

Kia hiwa rā

The Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu nomination and appointment process is being undertaken to appoint Ngāi Tahu representatives to Department of Conservation Regional Conservation Boards.

Functions of the Conservation Board

Conservation Boards oversee the development of the conservation management strategies; conservation management plans and any national park management plan within its area of jurisdiction. The Boards play an important role in ensuring public submissions are reflected in plans and that plans are implemented as approved.

Purpose of the role

The purpose of this role is to represent the Ngāi Tahu perspective to the Conservation Board ensuring that any issues of tribal significance are reported to Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu while also ensuring that tribal matters of significance are represented to the Board.

Required skills, experience and qualifications

• An understanding of Ngäi Tahu values in relation to conservation and an ability to promote and articulate these values.
• A willingness to understand and promote the undertakings contained in the Deed of Settlement in relation to Conservation Boards.
• The ability to encourage the adoption of customary management practices where they are applicable.
• To help develop a Māori customary approach to conservation.
• To help develop iwi initiatives to integrate into the programmes of the Department and Board.
• Position Brief attached for more details.

Positions available

There are two board positions available:

• Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board (x1 position)

• Southland Conservation Board (x1 position)

Meeting details

Most Boards meet four-five times a year; occasionally more often. Meetings take a full day. When linked to a field trip or inspection visit, they can take two/three days, sometimes over a weekend. There will also be committee meetings, time required for researching issues and working on reports or submissions, preparation time spent reading briefing material before meetings and time for liaison and public consultation. Remuneration of $500 per day for a meeting. $250 of this is met by the DOC and $250 by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Reasonable expenses for travel, accommodation and meals approved in advance by the Board will be reimbursed by the Department of Conservation.

How to apply

To apply for the positions, you will need to engage with your Papatipu Rūnanga to complete the nomination process (please see below which Rūnanga is/are eligible to nominate for each region).

For further information on the nomination process or if you require support connecting with your Papatipu Rūnanga please contact Mishele Radford on or

Nominations must be received by end of business Friday 9 January 2026. Formal notification will be sent to nominees following a review and appointment process.

Papatipu Rūnanga eligible to nominate for each regional Conservation Board:

Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board

Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura

Southland Conservation Board

Te Rūnaka o Awarua Hokonui Rūnanga

Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka

Waihōpai Rūnaka

Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai

Job Details

Reference #

35037

Business areas

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, External, Papatipu Rūnanga , Governance

Posted on

Wednesday 26 Nov 2025

Closes on

09 Jan :00

Expertise

Agriculture, farming & forestry, Aquaculture & Fishing, Banking & Financial Services, Community Services & Development, Conservation and Animals, Conservation, Parks and Wildlife, Consulting and Strategy, Cultural Leadership / Development, Education & Training, Executive & General Management, Government & Defence, Health, Safety and Wellbeing, Hospitality & Tourism, Legal, Marketing & Communications, Mining, Resources & Energy, Policy, Planning & Regulations, Science and Technology

Work type(s)

Governance