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

As a Kaitiaki Whenua, you’ll be part of a passionate team restoring and enhancing our natural environment. You’ll work on the ground, planting, pest management, eco-sourcing, seed propagation, and supporting zero waste initiatives. You’ll also contribute to data reporting, support volunteers, and uphold kaupapa Māori in all aspects of your mahi.

This is a physically active role, perfect for someone who enjoys working outdoors, has a “green thumb,” and is committed to regenerative practices based on tikanga and mātauranga Māori.

Ngā tino pūkenga/whēako | Qualifications & Experience

• 5+ years’ experience in ecological restoration or similar mahi
• Knowledge of traditional māra kai and māra rongoā
• Confidence in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga
• Familiarity with maramataka, Māori organics and traditional matauranga
• NZ driver’s licence (required)
• Horticulture Level 2 certification or equivalent (preferred)
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all conditions
• Bonus if you can operate landscaping or nursery equipment (e.g. mower, weed eater, blower).

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

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 

 What we offer

• Be part of a passionate, supportive team
• Ongoing learning and development in mātauranga Māori and ecological practices
• Make a meaningful impact in the regeneration of taiao 

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!