_{25th August, 2026}

Lead environmental kaitiakitanga for Motueka-based organisation

He taonga He Mana Tuku Iho
Connecting Ourselves, Our Lands, Our Legacy

Whakarewa is a Māori Trust representing descendants who whakapapa back to 94 Ngāti Rārua tūpuna and 15 Te Ātiawa tūpuna, the original landowners of the Motueka homelands. We manage diverse land holdings, commercial properties, horticultural investments, and managed funds to support our charitable activities in culture, education, health, environmental, and economic development.
We are looking for a skilled Pou Taiao to join our team, based in Motueka. This permanent position is 35 hours a week with occasional weekend hui, wānanga and AGM commitments.

About the Role

Reporting to the Tumu Whakarae, you will develop, implement and oversee our Te Toiere o Te Taiao restoration and resilience Strategy, through environmental policy, projects and action plans on behalf of Whakarewa, and provide expert advice to our Board and leadership team.
You will lead our engagement on resource consent applications and represent the Trust on environmental legislation, policy and compliance matters at a local, regional and national level - including with councils, government agencies and the Environment Court where required. You will also guide the continued development of our kaitiakitanga over our taonga, support hapū and community outreach, and help coordinate wānanga and events in the Taiao space.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, implement and oversee environmental policy, projects and climate change action plans
Lead engagement on resource consent applications and represent the Trust on environmental legislation and compliance
Provide expert environmental advice to the Board and leadership team
Build and maintain relationships with hapū/iwi, councils, government agencies and funders
Guide the development of kaitiakitanga over our taonga
Support hapū and community outreach, and coordinate wānanga and events in the Taiao space
Monitor environmental performance, assess risk and report on progress

About You

We're looking for someone with a genuine interest in honouring places of cultural significance to whānau, revitalising local practices, and enabling whānau-led, values-based care of the Whakarewa lands and waters.
If you have an understanding of environmental issues and relevant legislation, and can handle competing priorities and work autonomously.

Essential Skills & Attributes

Proven experience (5+ years) in environmental and resource management, including resource consents, regional and district plans, and other statutory planning processes
Practical working knowledge of the Resource Management Act and other relevant environmental legislation
Confidence and ability to collaborate, negotiate and work with a diverse range of stakeholders, including hapū, councils, government agencies and funders
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing for boards, Iwi and councils
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent organisation, scheduling, planning, and multitasking abilities
A valid New Zealand driver's licence

Desirable

Fluency in Te Reo Māori, and a sound understanding of tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi is an advantage.
Strong knowledge of Māori community networks, with involvement in iwi, hapū, whānau, marae and community development
Experience preparing and presenting reports and recommendations to boards, councils and other decision-making bodies
Tertiary qualification in a related field

Why Join Whakarewa?

Be part of a Trust with a strong sense of Māori values and a genuine connection to whenua and taonga. Making a difference and enhancing the lives of our hapū members and others. We offer:

Professional development opportunities to grow your skills
Cultural engagement - participate in wānanga as part of your everyday mahi
A dynamic workplace where every day brings something new
Work with colleagues to deliver and embed a refreshed Taiao strategy

If you're practical, technically minded, and take pride in protecting and enhancing our environmental legacy, we'd love to hear from you.

Me tono mai inaīanei - Apply Now!

For confidential enquiries, please contact Sacha MacDonald 027-386-9288 or alternatively you may apply with your cover letter and resume via our application portal. All enquiries and applications will be treated in strict confidence.

Applications close: 8 September 2026

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