Principal Advisor Treaty Strategy

• Shape the future of Treaty partnership in conservation. Influence system-wide strategy. Help create lasting outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand. 

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

• Permanent role, Wellington 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 Strategy, you will provide strategic Treaty leadership across the conservation system, helping ensure DOC's priorities, investment decisions, and strategic direction reflect Treaty partner aspirations, Section 4 obligations, and Treaty settlement commitments. 

You will lead the development of Treaty-related strategic frameworks and provide expert advice that connects Māori aspirations with DOC's organisational goals. Working across DOC, government, and the wider sector, you will influence decision-making through expertise, relationships, and strategic leadership. 

This role requires the ability to navigate complexity, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and provide future-focused advice that integrates Te Ao Māori perspectives, mātauranga Māori, and tikanga into strategic planning and system design. 

You will;  

• Lead the deliveryand ongoing stewardship of DOC’sTreaty Operating Model, frameworks, and strategic direction.  

• Provide expert advice on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Section 4 obligations, and Treaty settlement commitments.  

• Shape DOC’s long-term approach to partnering with iwi, hapū, whānau, and Treaty partners.  

• Identify emerging risks, opportunities, and trends that may impact Treaty relationships and conservation outcomes.  

• Deliver strategic advice, analysis, and recommendations to senior leaders, governance groups, and Ministers.  

• Build and maintain trusted relationships across DOC, iwi, hapū, Māori organisations, and government agencies to influence strategic outcomes.  

• Ensure Te Tiriti principles, Māori aspirations, and Te Ao Māori perspectives are integrated into organisational planning, investment, and decision-making.  

• Develop guidance, tools, and capability initiatives that strengthen strategic Treaty understanding and practice across DOC. 

Click here for the Role Description  

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience 

You will be a highly credible and influential strategic advisor who can bring together diverse perspectives, build trusted relationships, and help shape DOC's future direction. 

You will bring;  

• Deep knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Crown-Māori relationships and Treaty settlement frameworks. 

• Significant experience developing strategy within complex public sector, policy, conservation or Treaty-focused environments. 

• Strong understanding of te ao Māori, mātauranga Māori and tikanga Māori, and the ability to integrate these into strategic frameworks and planning processes. 

• Exceptional analytical, conceptual thinking and horizon-scanning capability. 

• Proven ability to provide strategic advice on complex and sensitive issues. 

• Outstanding relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills. 

• Experience influencing senior leaders and driving outcomes without formal authority. 

• Strong communication skills, including the ability to translate complexity into clear and compelling advice. 

Desirable ;

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

• Experience working with iwi, hapū, whānau or Māori organisations in a strategic capacity. 

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

• Knowledge of DOC operations, the conservation system and wider public sector strategy and investment processes.