Iwi Māori Partnerships and Engagement Lead Advisor (Contract role)

• Closing date: May 22, 2026
• Contract
• Taranaki

Ko wai mātou? - Who are we?

Wai Hononga Water Services Ltd (Wai Hononga) is Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu's water services council-controlled organisation, established by New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) to deliver drinking water and wastewater services to our rohe under the Government's Local Water Done Well framework.

Wai Hononga is being established in stages, with a planned go-live date of Tuesday, 01 July 2027. During this establishment phase, the organisation is focused on transferring assets, staff, and systems, maintaining continuity of service, and establishing the capability required to operate as a standalone entity.

This includes building meaningful relationships with mana whenua, iwi and Māori within the New Plymouth District and enabling their effective input into Wai Hononga's Water Services Strategy.

Whakamāramatanga - Background and context

We are seeking to engage a suitably qualified contractor or secondment to support this kaupapa.

This role will play a key part in:

• Establishing a distinct, tikanga aligned relationship between Wai Hononga and mana whenua, iwi and Māori
• Enabling meaningful engagement during the establishment phase and preparation of the Water Services Strategy (incorporating Wai Hononga's Te Tiriti Principles Strategy)

Ngā haepapa matua - Key responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and support engagement with hapū, iwi, post-settlement governance entities (PSGEs), and relevant Māori organisations
• Establish an engagement plan including how and who to engage with
• Arrange, prepare for, and support wānanga with hapū and iwi including agenda development, logistics, briefing material and engagement tools
• Ensure hapū and iwi advice and wānanga outcomes are captured accurately
• Support the Board to develop the Te Tiriti Principles Strategy section of the Water Services Strategy (WSS) (with support of another external cultural advisor)
• Provide practical advice to Wai Hononga leaders and staff on Te Ao Māori perspectives and tikanga
• Help develop supporting tools, guidance, and internal processes that embed Te Tiriti principles into Wai Hononga planning

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako - Essential skills and experience

• Demonstrated experience in hapū/iwi engagement
• Knowledge of, and skills in Te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, te reo Māori
• Knowledge of local (New Plymouth District) Māori context highly desirable
• Experience in public sector, infrastructure or organisational establishment environments desirable

We expect the applicant would be available a minimum of three days per week with some shorter and longer weeks envisaged. Work outside normal working hours will be needed to accommodate hapū, iwi and Māori availability. The expected duration would be until December 2026, with a possibility of extension. The role is based at the Civic Building, 84 Liardet Street, New Plymouth.

As this is a specialist role, we're open to a few different ways of finding the right person. We plan to meet with shortlisted candidates before confirming an agreement, and we're keen to make an appointment as soon as we can.

Tono ā ratonga - Offer of service

Please send us a brief Offer of Service proposal along with the information below by end of day, Friday, 22 May 2026 to our Manager, People and Wellbeing at email carol.malpas@npdc.govt.nz

• A detailed CV for the proposed person, including how they meet the key competencies and experience we're looking for
• Confirmation of availability (including any notice or transition period, if relevant)
• The proposed person's location, and confirmation they can work preferably from the NPDC office at least three days per week
• The proposed hourly rate (noting the expected utilisation and length of the secondment)
• The successful applicant will be subject to complying with our Code of Conduct and a two week notice period will apply to either party

If you'd like to talk through the role or the engagement, feel free to contact me directly:

Carol Malpas
Manager People and Wellbeing
New Plymouth District Council
carol.malpas@npdc.govt.nz
Ph: 06 7596060 / Mo: 027 696 5696

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