Department of Internal Affairs – Te Tari Taiwhenua

• Strategic Leadership
• Strengthen Māori–Crown Relations
• Make a Lasting Impact

Whāia te hīnātore o te mauri atua, hei oranga mō te mauri tāngata.

The pursuit of environmental sustenance and potential enhances the wellbeing and life essence of people and place

The Department of Internal Affairs – Te Tari Taiwhenua (Te Tari) is inviting applications for the position of Director, Te Tiriti and Partnerships. This leadership role is responsible for advancing Te Tari’s obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and for fostering enduring relationships with iwi and Māori.

Mo te tūranga | About the role

Reporting to the Deputy Secretary, this role is a member of the Policy & Te Tiriti Branch senior leadership team. The Director will work collaboratively with other senior Māori leaders across Te Tari to ensure a coordinated approach to Treaty and engagement work.

As leader of a dedicated team rooted in te ao Māori, you will oversee the development and execution of a structured work programme that delivers quantifiable outcomes for both Te Tari and communities throughout New Zealand.

Key responsibilities include leading Tiriti negotiations on behalf of Te Tari, ensuring effective oversight of the organisation’s commitments and obligations related to Te Tiriti, and serving as kaitiaki for organisational engagement and relationship protocols with iwi and Māori organisations.

The is a permanent position, preferably based in Wellington.

Mōu ake | About you

You will bring:

• Deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, its principles, and application in policy and operations.
• Senior leadership experience in strategic planning, policy development, and delivery of organisational outcomes.
• Proven track record of leading and empowering a team to maximise their impact in the delivery of a substantial work programme.
• Advanced relationship management skills, with experience managing complex interactions across community, departmental, or Ministerial contexts.
• Proficiency in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, influence at senior levels, and provide cultural guidance.

Me pēhea te tono | To Apply

To request an information pack, and for a confidential kōrero about the role, contact:

Jane Temel on 021 499 902 or via email at jane.temel@nicherecruitment.co.nz

Carl Church on 021 166 6441 or via email at carl.church@nicherecruitment.co.nz

To apply, please submit your cover letter and CV by the closing date of 5pm Wednesday 5 November 2025.