Principal Advisor Iwi Partnerships

Kaitohutohu Matua Hononga ā-Iwi - Principal Advisor Iwi Partnerships and Engagement

Nau mai, haere mai ki te Kaunihera ā Rohe o Kāpiti.

Te Rōpū Hononga ā-Iwi | The Iwi Partnerships Group, leads the Council’s Treaty partnership function on the Kāpiti Coast. The team is responsible for giving effect to Te Whakaaetanga Hononga, the renewed Partnership Agreement between Kāpiti Coast District Council and the three mana whenua of the rohe: Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, and Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki. While recently refreshed, this agreement reflects a partnership relationship of more than 30 years.

The work of Hononga ā-Iwi is grounded in the tikanga that the kaupapa transcends individuals. The team operates in service of the partnership and the enduring relationships that sustain it. While roles and personnel may change over time, the integrity and continuity of the partnership remain constant.

We are seeking a candidate who understands and embodies this tikanga - someone who approaches their role with a powerful sense of service, stewardship, and commitment to enduring relationships, and who contributes positively to the strength and longevity of the Council’s partnership with mana whenua.

We are seeking an experienced and respected Kaitohutohu Matua Hononga ā-Iwi (Principal Advisor Iwi Partnerships) to shape how Council partners with mana whenua, iwi and hapū.
This senior role provides authoritative advice on complex, high-risk matters, leads significant kaupapa, and supports Council to give meaningful effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in decision-making.

You will embed Te Ao Māori perspectives into strategy, policy, and practice; guide culturally grounded decisions; and translate kaupapa Māori and Crown frameworks into clear, practical advice. You will influence senior leaders and elected members and operate confidently in politically sensitive environments.

This role suits someone with depth, judgement and mana, comfortable navigating complexity and competing priorities while protecting relationships and outcomes.

About you | He kōrero mōu

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification (bachelor's degree or higher) in public policy, Māori studies, law, social sciences, environmental management, or a related field
• At least 5 years’ experience in policy, strategy, or advisory roles, including principal-level (or equivalent) work providing strategic advice to senior leaders and leading complex programmes

You will also demonstrate:

• Fluency in te reo Māori and deep, applied knowledge of tikanga and kawa, confidently exercised in professional and te ao Māori contexts
• A strong and nuanced application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including the ability to apply Tiriti analysis to complex, ambiguous, and precedent setting issues
• Proven ability to build and sustain trusted, mana enhancing relationships with mana whenua, iwi and hapū
• Commitment to tuakana–teina practice, including mentoring and lifting organisational capability
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, translating complexity into clear options, risks, and recommendations; advanced written and bilingual communication skills, including advice for governance and executive decision-making
• The credibility and confidence to influence senior leaders and elected members
• Sound judgement and professionalism in politically and culturally sensitive environments
• A demonstrated background in developing and implementing strategy, policy, reporting, and planning

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

• When you join Kāpiti Coast District Council, you will be part of an organisation committed to meaningful partnership and grounded in manaakitanga. We offer:
• A supportive, values-led team environment and work with lasting impact for iwi, hapū and our wider community
• Dependent leave – because whānau matters

For more information

View full job description.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tono

• Applications close 29 May 2026 – we encourage you to apply early.
• You must be eligible to work in New Zealand and hold a current driver’s licence. Preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment checks, including drug and alcohol screening and Police vetting.