Senior Advisor, Iwi Partnerships

Kaitohutohu Matua o ngā Rangapū me te Pāheko| Senior Advisor Iwi Partnerships and Engagement

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

Te Rōpū Hononga ā-Iwi | Iwi Partnerships Group leads the Council’s Treaty partnership function on the Kāpiti Coast. The team is responsible for giving effect to He 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.

What you will do

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with mana whenua and key internal stakeholders
• Provide high-quality advice and briefings (including options, risks, and recommendations) to senior leaders and elected members
• Help embed effective frameworks and ways of working that support Te Tiriti-based partnership and culturally responsive practice across Council
• Establish a Rōpū Kaimahi Māori and advance it within business as usual
• Support the development of the inaugral KCDC Rautaki Māori
• Uplift and advance Organisational Capability Building within KCDC

What you will bring

• Relevant tertiary qualification (degree or higher) and 3 years minimum of senior-level experience in advisory, strategy, policy work, te ao Māori, or environmental management.
• 3 years minimum Confidence operating in te ao Māori and public sector, and iwi/hapū organisational settings, with strong tikanga understanding and commitment to the revitalisation of te reo Māori
• Proven ability to navigate complex, politically sensitive environments and deliver clear, influential written advice

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:
• The coolest team in Kāpiti
• Dependent leave – because whānau matters
• A supportive, values-led, and high performing team environment
• Free access to council pools
• Staff discounts across a range of local services
• The opportunity to contribute to work that has lasting impact for iwi, hapū and our wider community

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.