Principal Advisor Treaty Policy

• Shape Treaty policy. Influence conservation outcomes. Help embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi across Aotearoa's conservation system.

• Salary range between $125,600 - $162,525 depending on skills and experience.

• Permanent role, Wellington location preferred.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

Mō te tūranga | About the role

We have a new DOC Treaty Operating Model that will strengthen how we work with Treaty partners and bring greater clarity to expectations, roles, and accountability across the organisation. This makes it an exciting time to join our Iwi Strategy and Group Partnerships. 

As Principal Advisor Treaty Policy, you will lead the coordination and stewardship of Treaty policy across DOC, ensuring Te Tiriti o Waitangi is reflected in policy settings, decision-making, and conservation outcomes.

You will provide expert advice on Treaty obligations, Section 4 of the Conservation Act, and Treaty settlement commitments, helping shape how DOC works in partnership with iwi, hapū and whānau.

Working at a senior level, you will influence outcomes through strategic policy leadership, collaboration, and trusted relationships. You will work closely with colleagues across Iwi Strategy & Partnerships group, DOC, iwi and Māori organisations, and government agencies to strengthen policy frameworks that uphold Crown commitments, strengthen the Crown-Māori relationship, and support effective conservation partnerships.

This role is suited to someone who thrives in complex policy environments and can turn strategic intent into practical, Treaty-aligned policy outcomes.

You will;

• Lead the coordination, review, and implementation of Treaty policy frameworks, guidance, and standards across DOC.

• Provide expert advice on Treaty obligations, Section 4 responsibilities, Treaty settlements, legislation, and strategic initiatives.

• Ensure Treaty considerations are embedded in policy development, planning, decision-making, and organisational priorities.

• Identify Treaty-related risks, opportunities, and impacts, and provide practical policy solutions and recommendations.

• Prepare and quality assure policy papers, briefings, strategic advice, and governance reporting.

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with iwi, hapū, whānau, Treaty partners, government agencies, and conservation stakeholders.

• Collaborate across DOC and government to deliver Treaty-aligned policy outcomes that reflect te ao Māori, mātauranga Māori, and tikanga Māori.

• Strengthen Treaty policy capability across DOC through guidance, tools, coaching, and support for effective implementation and engagement.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You are a highly credible policy professional who can navigate complexity, build trusted relationships and provide clear, influential advice on Treaty-related matters.

You will bring;

• Deep knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Crown-Māori relationships and Treaty policy within the public sector.

• Strong understanding of Section 4 of the Conservation Act and its practical application.

• Significant experience leading complex policy projects and providing senior-level policy advice.

• Demonstrated ability to apply te ao Māori, mātauranga Māori and tikanga Māori in policy development and analysis.

• Excellent analytical, communication, facilitation and relationship-management skills.

• Strong judgement and the ability to provide balanced, pragmatic advice on complex and sensitive issues.

• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and achieve outcomes in a collaborative environment.

Desirable;

• Confidence or proficiency in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga.

• Experience working with iwi, hapū, whānau or Māori organisations.

• A relevant tertiary qualification in law, public policy, Māori studies or a related discipline.

• Knowledge of DOC's operating environment, Treaty settlement frameworks and conservation management systems.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

Want to know more?

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now 

Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation.  If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we will try to accommodate. 

Salary: Salary range between $125,600 - $162,525 depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.  

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 09 August 2026.  This advert may close early, so please apply promptly.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Aleena Antony, Senior Recruitment Advisor at [email protected].