Kaihautu Strategy and Policy (Treaty)
Lead Treaty strategy at enterprise level. Shape the future of conservation in Aotearoa.
$175,200 - $251,850 depending on skills and experience.
Permanent role, Wellington location.
Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa
Mō te tūranga | About the role
We have a new DOC Treaty Operating Model that will strengthen how we work with our Treaty partners and bring greater clarity to expectations, roles, and accountability across the organisation. This makes it an exciting time to join our Iwi Strategy and Partnerships Group.
We are looking for an exceptional strategic leader to join DOC as Kaihautū – Strategy & Policy (Treaty) (Tier 3). This pivotal role shapes how Te Tiriti o Waitangi is embedded across DOC’s strategy, systems, and delivery.
Reporting to the Deputy Director-General, Iwi Strategy and Partnerships, you will lead enterprise Treaty strategy and policy, ensuring Section 4 of the Conservation Act is reflected in our work and connected to real conservation outcomes. Working closely with senior leaders, you will set direction, steward performance, and build organisational capability.
You will:
Set DOC’s enterprise Treaty strategy and policy direction.
Ensure alignment from Te Tiriti to organisational strategy, planning, and delivery.
Interpret Section 4 and Treaty settlement obligations to guide decisions.
Lead the Treaty Operating Model and related policy programme.
Shape system settings aligned with Treaty partner aspirations and long-term conservation goals.
Provide strategic analysis and horizon scanning to future-proof DOC’s approach including embedding mātauranga Māori, tikanga, and Treaty partner perspectives in priorities and delivery.
Align strategy, policy, and operations across DOC.
Advise senior leadership and governance on complex Treaty matters.
Lead responses to system-level issues, reviews, and inquiries.
Represent DOC across government and sector forums, aligning with agencies such as Te Arawhiti and Te Puni Kōkiri.
Provide leadership to senior policy advisors and grow capability through coaching, wānanga, and shared practice.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
You will bring incredible integrity, sound judgement, and the ability to navigate complexity with empathy and clarity.
We are looking for a strategic, values-led leader who brings:
Deep expertise in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Crown–Māori relationships, and Treaty policy.
Strong understanding of Section 4 of the Conservation Act and Treaty settlements.
Proven experience shaping complex public sector strategy and policy at enterprise level.
Ability to embed te ao Māori and mātauranga Māori into organisational practice.
Exceptional influencing skills across government, governance and sector stakeholders.
Experience leading system change, large programmes, and high-performing teams.
He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?
DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.
Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now
Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation.
If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.
Salary: $175,200 - $251,850 depending on skills and experience.
Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.
Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.
Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday, 13 July 2026.
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Aleena Antony, Senior Recruitment Advisor at aantony@doc.govt.nz.