Principal Advisor - Mori Partnerships & Strategic Growth

At Tonkin + Taylor, we believe great projects create positive outcomes for people, communities and the environment. As one of New Zealand's leading engineering and environmental consultancy, we work alongside clients to deliver sustainable solutions that shape the future of Aotearoa.

Guided by Te Kōrihi o te Manu, our Māori Strategy, we are committed to strengthening our relationships with Māori, Iwi and Hapū, growing our cultural capability, and embedding Te Ao Māori perspectives across our work. We are investing in capability that enables us to deliver projects through authentic partnership, shared outcomes and culturally informed approaches.

Mō te tūranga / The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and highly connected leader to help establish and grow Tonkin + Taylor's Māori and Indigenous Advisory capability.

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping and growing Tonkin + Taylor’s Māori sector practice. You will work across the business to build trusted relationships, pursue new opportunities, support strategic growth, provide cultural and partnership advice, and help our teams deliver meaningful outcomes for Māori communities and organisations.

The role combines client advisory, business development, relationship leadership, thought leadership, internal capability building and strategic market growth.

Kei te hiahia mātou ki ōu | What you'll be doing

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with Iwi, Hapū, Māori organisations and key stakeholders.
• Identify, pursue and help convert opportunities within the Māori economy and Māori-led development sector, supporting engagement with government agencies, infrastructure providers and private sector clients.
• Represent Tonkin + Taylor across Māori, infrastructure and professional networks, strengthening our profile and relationships.
• Provide advice on Māori engagement, partnership approaches and culturally informed project delivery.
• Support clients and project teams to work effectively with Māori stakeholders and communities across infrastructure, planning, consenting, environmental and community-focused projects.
• Help embed Te Ao Māori perspectives into project planning, design and delivery.
• Mentor and support colleagues across the business, helping to build cultural capability and implement Te Kōrihi o te Manu.
• Develop practical tools, frameworks and best-practice approaches.

Kei te hiahia mātou ki ōu | What you'll be doing

We are looking for a relationship-focused leader who brings a strong understanding of Te Ao Māori, commercial acumen and the ability to build trusted partnerships that create lasting value. In addition, you will have/be:

• A proven track record in business development, client relationship management and identifying new market opportunities.
• Established and trusted relationships with Iwi, Hapū and Māori organisations across Aotearoa.
• Strong knowledge of the New Zealand consulting, infrastructure or professional services environment, with the ability to build and sustain long-term partnerships.
• Deep understanding of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including the ability to apply this knowledge in practical and meaningful ways.
• Experience providing strategic advice, facilitating engagement and supporting partnership-based approaches with diverse stakeholders.
• The ability to influence, mentor and build capability across multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities or organisations outside of Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly in Australia, the Pacific or Canada, would be advantageous.
• Collaborative and adaptable team players who bring a positive and solutions-focused mindset.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work confidently across both Te Ao Māori and professional consulting environments.
• A genuine passion for building enduring relationships with clients, Iwi, stakeholders and communities.
• Strategic thinkers who understand that sustainable growth is built through trust, credibility, and consistently delivering value.
• Leaders who are committed to creating positive outcomes for Māori and supporting culturally informed project delivery.

Toroa tā mātou pae tukutuku mō ētehi atu kōrero | For more information

At Tonkin + Taylor, we are committed to exceptional thinking together. You will be part of a collaborative environment where your expertise will help shape safe, effective and people-focused ways of working across the business.

Our value ‘Everyone Matters’ is at the heart of what we do. We’re proud to be an Immigration New Zealand Accredited Employer and a member of Diversity Works. We warmly welcome all applicants, your voice and perspective are valued here.

APPLY NOW! Or for further information on T+T, go to: http://www.tonkintaylor.co.nz.