NATURAL RESOURCES – OPERATIONS LEAD

FIXED TERM - 1 YEAR

About the role

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic leadership of the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board, grounded in kaupapa Māori, and a deep commitment to our people and iwi. You'll be joining a passionate, values led team dedicated to a thriving iwi connected by whakapapa to people and place. The Natural Resources – Operations Lead is responsible for driving strategic projects and initiatives from concept to implementation. This role brings to life the Board's commitment to building better futures through education and training, capturing and maintaining mātauranga Tūwharetoa, and strengthening our marae.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate environmental projects and initiatives that protect, restore and maintain Taupō Waters and the Waikato River.
• Ensure projects are delivered effectively, within budget and aligned with the Trust Board's strategic priorities.
• Support the development and implementation of environmental strategies, policies, plans and frameworks.
• Support the Trust Board's environmental interests and responsibilities across local, regional and national regulatory and policy settings.
• Provide support to marae and hapū on environmental matters affecting their respective areas.
• Support the Trust Board's responsibilities arising from relevant Crown deeds and Waikato River co-governance and co-management arrangements.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with iwi, hapū, government agencies and other key stakeholders.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, coordination and support to the Natural Resources team, including work planning, reporting and continuous improvement.

About you

• 2-4 years' experience preferred in a similar role
• Proven experience working with iwi and hapū
• Comprehensive working knowledge of regulatory and legislative processes
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, management and communication
• Proven project management and environmental planning experience, with practical experience managing budgets.
• Experience working with Central and/or Local Government Agencies.

Benefits

• Hybrid working (4 days situated in the Taupo office, 1 remote).
• Wellbeing Grant
• Optical Subsidy
• Personal Development Training support
• Iwi Contribution Days
• High-trust, purpose-led team culture

About us

The Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board is constituted by the Māori Trust Boards Act 1955. The Trust Board remains committed to maintaining and enhancing the health and wellbeing of Taupō Waters and enabling Ngāti Tūwharetoa to achieve our social, cultural, environmental, and economic aspirations. Our support of iwi growth and development is further enhanced by the relationships and partnerships we have with other Tūwharetoa entities and organisations.

HOW TO APPLY

To qualify for the role, please click download Application Form found here https://www.tuwharetoa.co.nz/current-vacancies/

UPLOAD all the following document to SEEK

• CV
• Covering Letter
• Completed Application Form

Or email all documents to [email protected] by 4.30pm on Monday 12 October 2026.

If you’d prefer to have a confidential conversation first or discuss aspects of the role, please feel free to contact the Peter Shepher on [07 386 8832](tel:07 386 8832).  All Applications will be dealt with the utmost discretion.