Regional Lead Mori

• Kia niwha te ngākau ki ngā mahi awhina i te iwi
• He Māori tō te tangata, he whakapapa tōna, he mana motuhake
• Mahia te mahi hei painga mō 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 Māori 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 Māori aspirations while delivering transport solutions. We can also contribute by working with Māori and other government agencies to support Māori to achieve their aspirations.

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

This position is a leader on Te Āo Māori 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 Māori 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 Māori 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/Māori and to fulfil Te Ara Kotahi – Our Māori Strategy.

View the Position Description here.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will Bring

• Strong experience working with Māori.
• 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 Māori in ways that improve Māori outcomes and to influence to ensure that NZTA is fulfilling its obligations to Māori.
• Excellent report writing and verbal communications.
• You will have strong knowledge Te Ao Māori, tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have strong knowledge of Treaty of Waitangi Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies in the public sector.

Ko wai mātou | 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 Mātangi - Māori Partnerships is part of Te Waka Kōtuia – Engagement and Partnerships and is responsible for delivering key actions in Te Ara Kotahi – Our Māori Strategy. The team also support the wider business in engaging with Māori, and ensure our people have the guidance and capability to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes for both Māori and NZTA.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:

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

Rā Katinga | Applications close

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.

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.