Negotiation & Settlement Manager

Negotiation and Settlement Manager – Ngā hapū o Ngāpuhi

Office of Treaty Settlements and Takutai Moana | Te Tari Whakatau

Fixed-term (to cover parental leave – 16 months) or secondment | Wellington based

Play a leading role in shaping one of the most significant Treaty settlement programmes in New Zealand, helping to restore the relationship between the Crown and ngā hapū o Ngāpuhi.

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to lead a team at the forefront of Treaty settlement negotiations with ngā hapū o Ngāpuhi.

Working closely with Chief Crown Negotiators, you will drive the negotiation and delivery of historical Treaty settlements, operating under the direction of the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations and Cabinet. You'll provide high-quality policy advice, lead complex negotiation strategies, and ensure coordinated, joined-up advice across government agencies.

This role is offered as a fixed-term opportunity to cover parental leave for approximately 16 months, or on secondment. The position is based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, with hybrid working available between the CBD office and home. Applicants need to be willing to travel.

Mōu | About you

You are a thoughtful and capable people leader who thrives in complex environments You will bring:

• Significant experience in Treaty of Waitangi settlement negotiations (highly desirable)
• Proven people leadership capability, including leading high-performing teams
• Confidence operating within te ao Māori, with te reo Māori capability an advantage
• Demonstrated experience managing complex programmes and multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience leading or contributing to policy development in a government context
• The ability to work effectively across agencies and alongside iwi/Māori partners
• Strong understanding of Ministerial and Cabinet processes, including statutory decision-making
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to tailor advice to different audiences
• A commitment to developing others and building organisational capability

Mō mātou/ About us

Te Tari Whakatau is a departmental agency hosted by the Ministry of Justice. Our organisational whakapapa traces back through Te Arawhiti – The Office for Māori Crown Relations (2019-2025), the Office of Treaty Settlements (1995-2019) and to the Treaty of Waitangi Policy Unit formed in 1989. We have a central role in restoring and enhancing Māori Crown relationships. Focused on reconciliation, settlement and recognition, our work makes a significant contribution to New Zealand's future.

Our values guide everything we do: Mahi Tahi – Working together; Pono ki te kaupapa – In good faith; and Atawhaitia – With humility and authenticity. You will join an agency deeply committed to service, fairness, and shaping a better future for Aotearoa.

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here

Benefits

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:

• 20 days holiday leave
• flexible work hours where possible
• an online professional development portal
• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

See our full range of benefits here.

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.

Tono Mai/How To Apply

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

The appointing salary for this role will be between $130,129 and $168,062 based on skills and experience.

Applications close on 19 June 2026. We will also be reviewing CVs as they come in and may invite candidates to interview before the close date. Interviews will be held the weeks of 22 and 29 June.

If you have any questions, please contact ***email_hidden***. Also follow us on LinkedIn