Kaiārahi Te Mana Taiao – Team Lead

UPANE KA UPANE, WHITI TE RA! 
Advancing together into a brighter future

Ko wai mātou | About us

Well, it’s not actually about us at all. It’s about the people and communities we serve. Ngāti Toa is a vibrant and influential iwi, firmly grounded in our cultural identity. And we’re paddling our own waka forward in leading significant change in enhancing the mana, wellbeing and prosperity of Ngāti Toa and the communities in which we thrive.

Ko te tīmā | About the team

Based within a highly skilled and values-driven Taiao team, this role offers the opportunity to lead and influence meaningful environmental outcomes across a diverse and fast-moving work programme. As Kaiārahi Taiao, you will provide day-to-day leadership and technical guidance to a team of practitioners working across environmental planning, policy, resource management, climate change, cultural monitoring, and statutory processes. You will support your team to deliver high-quality advice and outcomes, working collaboratively across the organisation and alongside external partners such as councils, government agencies, and iwi/hapū. A key aspect of this role is contributing to and maintaining strong strategic relationships and supporting the Kaiwhakahaere Taiao in representing Ngāti Toa in external forums, technical hui, and partnership settings. This may include preparing advice, leading components of discussions, and stepping in where appropriate to support continuity and capacity. Our approach is kaupapa-led and taiao-centred. We value mātauranga Māori alongside technical expertise, encourage collaboration and continuous learning, and prioritise taiao outcomes that reflect kaitiakitanga and intergenerational responsibility. In this role, you will help grow capability within the team, support collective ways of working, and lead with mana, care, and clarity.

Ko te tūranga mahi | About the role

The Kaiārahi Te Mana Taiao – Team Lead is responsible for ….

• Leading and providing day-to-day guidance to a team of taiao practitioners, ensuring high-quality delivery across environmental planning, policy, statutory processes, climate change, and cultural monitoring

• Supporting the development of strong strategic relationships by working alongside internal teams and external partners, and contributing to collaborative, values-based ways of working

• Supporting the Kaiwhakahaere Taiao in representing Ngāti Toa, including preparing advice, leading technical components of hui, and stepping into external forums where appropriate to support continuity and capacity

• Growing capability within the team by mentoring staff, encouraging professional development, and fostering a kaupapa-led, people-centred team culture grounded in kaitiakitanga

Ko ngā wheako ōu | About you

After hearing about us and about the role, you’ll have a good sense of whether this is the right fit for you and whether now is the right time. You’ll bring strong professional experience and technical expertise in taiao, environmental management, planning, policy, or a related discipline, and you’ll be genuinely motivated to engage, learn, and grow alongside Ngāti Toa.

• Leading and supporting others in complex, fast-paced environments, with the ability to provide clear technical guidance and direction

• Working across environmental and statutory processes, including environmental planning, policy development, resource management, or climate-related work

• Building and maintaining effective relationships with a range of stakeholders, including iwi/hapū, councils, and government agencies

But what will really set you apart is your commitment to the mahi and the people. You’ll bring a values-led approach, respect for mātauranga Māori, and a genuine desire to support positive taiao outcomes for current Ngāti Toa uri and future generations. The Rūnanga is a diverse and inclusive organisation, grounded in service to whānau and community, so you’ll be ready to give your best in areas that matter, and to lead with mana, humility, and care.

And in return for your hard work, we can offer you:

• Work / Life Balance;

• Modern environment with friendly team;

• Kaimahi centred discounts across banking and wellbeing activities;

• Commitment to professional development;

• The opportunity to serve our iwi and community aspirations – to be a part of a bigger purpose.

Excited? We are – because we’re up to big things! If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with Aimee Bishop (Kaiwhakahaere Te Mana Taiao/ Environmental Manager) aimee.bishop@ngatitoa.iwi.nz

Application process options: Applications will be received until a suitable candidate has been identified.