Ko wai mātou | Who are we

Ko Whai Māia te peka whakawhanake o Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. He huhua ngā kōkiri a tēnei peka, ko te mātauranga me te ako, ko te reo Māori me te ahurea tuakiri a Ngāti Whātua, ko ngā umanga me te mahi, ko ngā whare, ko te hauora me te oranga, ko te mahi tāpoi me ngā taonga tuku iho, ko te tiaki taiao me te penapena rawa

Whai Māia is the tribal development arm for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.  We are a diverse business encompassing education and learning, careers and employment, housing, health and wellbeing, culture and heritage, and environmental and resource management.

Our people are the heart of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Our goal is for whānau to be loved and nurtured, strong and happy, stand tall and proud, confident and enjoy life in comfort, companionship and inclusion.

Te Whiwhinga Mahi | The Opportunity

You will head a team of Kaitiaki Whenua, guiding them to deliver ecological restoration plans, lead fieldwork, and support research and education initiatives. You’ll balance hands-on mahi with planning, reporting, and performance management responsibilities.

You’ll work closely with the Pou Kōkiri (Operations Manager) to deliver planting programmes, monitor ecological outcomes, uphold health and safety standards, and grow a culture grounded in kotahitanga, kaitiakitanga, and manaakitanga

Ngā tino pūkenga/whēako | Qualifications & Experience

• 5+ years’ experience in ecological restoration or similar mahi
• Leadership experience in team supervision or field coordination
• Strong knowledge of tikanga Māori and confidence in te reo Māori
• A deep connection to environmental kaupapa and KTP:2040 vision
• Experience managing restoration tasks; planting, pest control, eco-sourcing, etc.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and reporting tools
• NZ driver’s licence (Required)
• Advanced Horticulture (NZQA Level 2) or working towards

To be successful in this role, we recognise that the following values & competencies are critical for kaimahi/employees to flourish at Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei:

• Manaakitanga 
• Respect
• Resilience
• Whānau outcome focused
• Collaboration
• Cultural Understanding

What we offer

• A rare opportunity to lead restoration on whenua
• Commitment to professional and cultural development
• A values-driven organisation with a strong sense of purpose
• Contribute to long-term environmental outcomes

Requirements & Checks

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand. 

Please be aware in applying for this role, you may be required to undergo the following pre-employment checks:

• Police Vetting Report
• Driver's Licence Verification Check 

Apply Now

If you're interested, please click the 'Apply for this job' button at the top or bottom of the page. If you have any questions about the role please email: peopleperformance@nwo.iwi.nz

We will be reviewing applications and undertaking interviews ahead of the closing date, therefore please do not hesitate to submit your application!