Regional Lead Maori

• Kia niwha te ngakau ki nga mahi awhina i te iwi
• He Maori to te tangata, he whakapapa tona, he mana motuhake
• Mahia te mahi hei painga mo te iwi
• Permanent opportunity based in either Gisborne, Napier, New Plymouth or Palmerston North

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) recognises and respects Treaty of Waitangi Te Tiriti o Waitangi and will work with Maori to build strong, meaningful and enduring relationships to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. We have an important role to play in finding opportunities to better respond to Maori aspirations while delivering transport solutions. We can also contribute by working with Maori and other government agencies to support Maori to achieve their aspirations.

The NZTA Maori Strategy "Te Ara Kotahi" provides strategic direction for how we work with and respond to Maori as the Crown's Treaty partner, and what this means for how we do business.

This position is a leader on Te Ao Maori matters and operates at the strategic level across all NZTA business groups and group leadership teams. A strong requirement for this role is the ability to relate to people and influence and shape their thinking to champion kaupapa Maori matters. Strong report writing and verbal communication is a must. The ideal person must be agile, readily available and able to move at pace with short notice.

The position will operate at the leading edge of strategic Maori initiatives and must have the ability to rise above the detail to provide strategic direction and oversight.

The purpose of this position is to provide leadership to support us to deliver on our responsibilities, obligations and commitments to Iwi/Maori and to fulfil Te Ara Kotahi - Our Maori Strategy.

View the Position Description here.

Ko koe tenei | About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Strong experience working with Maori.
• Significant experience in turning strategy into action particularly within the public sector structure.
• Proven ability to develop policies, practices, guidelines and toolkits for engaging effectively with Maori in ways that improve Maori outcomes and to influence to ensure that NZTA is fulfilling its obligations to Maori.
• Excellent report writing and verbal communications.
• You will have strong knowledge Te Ao Maori, tikanga and Te Reo Maori. You will also have strong knowledge of Treaty of Waitangi Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies in the public sector.

Ko wai matou | About us

Our people are proud to be part of creating a better New Zealand. We're searching for candidates who share our passion for people, communities, and the environment-and who are ready to contribute their unique skills to shape a better future.

At NZTA, you'll be part of an organisation where the different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences of our people are celebrated. We want you to feel like you belong here - valued, respected, and empowered to bring your whole self to work.

From five weeks annual leave through to Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for our permanent employees - you will be well looked after here. Our benefits are designed to support our people and provide a happy, healthy and high-performing environment. We take a principle-based approach to flexibility that enables our people and their People Leaders to discuss and agree the arrangements that work best for the individual, the team, and the organisation. And whether it's on-the-job experience, signing up to a course, coaching opportunities, or secondments to other roles within NZTA - you can build a varied and successful career with us and grow your potential.

Te Matangi - Maori Partnerships is part of Te Waka Kotuia - Engagement and Partnerships and is responsible for delivering key actions in Te Ara Kotahi - Our Maori Strategy. The team also support the wider business in engaging with Maori, and ensure our people have the guidance and capability to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes for both Maori and NZTA.

Me pehea te tuku tono | How to apply:

Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Advert closes Wednesday 24 June 2026.

For further information, email: ***email_hidden***

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

NZTA| Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.