Taiao Manager

Based in Te Tauihu o te waka a Māui, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō is a vibrant and proud iwi that exercises and realises its rangatiratanga.  Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō is stepping into a transformative era and the Trust is looking for a Pou Taiao (Taiao Manager).

Te Tūranga/About the Role

The Pou Taiao leads the Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō Taiao portfolio — protecting and restoring the natural environment and supporting Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō whānau aspirations for kaitiakitanga, mātauranga, and sustainability.  The position helps to uphold the mana and rights of Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō in all environmental and resource management matters, while sustainably growing the Taiao portfolio.

The Pou Taiao will:

• Lead the Taiao team and portfolio, providing values-based leadership grounded in kaitiakitanga, mātauranga Māori, and Ngātiapatanga.

• Represent Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō in environmental forums and partnerships with councils, Crown agencies, and community groups.

• Manage iwi responses to planning, policy, and consenting processes across five councils.

• Support whānau-led environmental initiatives and grow sustainability opportunities.

• Lead and grow strategic projects such as wetland restoration, tuna monitoring, and iwi environmental planning.

• Build a sustainable consultancy service offering cultural impact assessments and RMA advice.

E Rapu Ana Mātou/What We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who:

• Has proven experience in environmental/resource management, policy, or consultancy.

• Understands the RMA, Conservation Act, Local Government Act, and related legislation.

• Demonstrates leadership in kaupapa Māori or bicultural environments.

• Is passionate about kaitiakitanga and iwi aspirations.

• Has strong communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.

• Holds a tertiary qualification in Planning, Environmental Science, or a related field (desirable).

• Has a full clean driver's licence.

Join us in shaping a thriving future for our taiao and whānau.

This role can be based in either Whakatū (Nelson) or Waiharakeke (Blenheim). 

Tūhura ki ūta, tūhura ki tai, Kia tō te rā, e Maranga mai

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Applications close Wednesday 19 November

For further enquiries please contact Odette Shearer ph or email