Partnership Delivery Lead

Role Purpose

This permanent position based in Christchurch aims to lead the delivery and asset management division in fulfilling NZTA's legal responsibilities and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, while supporting the organisation's strategy and establishing enduring connections with mana whenua.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead company-wide rollout of NZTA's newly introduced guidelines for engaging with Māori across projects, maintenance, and operations.
• Assist NZTA and its contractors in meeting legislative requirements and Treaty obligations.
• Drive the adoption of a consistent framework for iwi engagement in projects and programmes (Te Kete National Standard), including planning the work programme, developing support tools, and ensuring effective organisational change.
• Advise senior leaders strategically, integrate Te Kete into transport standards and guidelines, and evaluate and report on its positive impacts.
• Represent NZTA in meetings and discussions with iwi and hapū, focusing on providing national leadership and ensuring employees are equipped to engage with Māori partners effectively.

Candidate Profile

• Exceptional skills in stakeholder engagement, advisory, and influencing senior leadership with trusted, practical recommendations.
• Familiarity with infrastructure project delivery, asset management, maintenance, and operations contexts.
• Strong understanding of Te Ao Māori and confident ability to communicate fluently in te reo Māori to diverse audiences.
• Proven expertise in building effective and culturally appropriate partnerships with Māori communities.
• Thorough knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Crown responsibilities, Treaty settlements, and relevant legal frameworks.
• Track record of embedding standardised practices at an organisational or systemic level within large or complex settings.
• Experience in driving change initiatives is considered a plus.

A relevant tertiary degree or equivalent professional, iwi, hapū, or community leadership experience is required.

About NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

The Māori Partnerships team operates within the Engagement and Partnerships group to enact the Māori Strategy, enabling the wider organisation to build successful relationships with Māori and strengthen capability to achieve shared benefits.

Additional Information

• This role is based in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand.
• Applications close on 4 October 2026.
• Applicants must have legal authorization to live and work in New Zealand.
• The employer values diversity and inclusion and is committed to supporting candidates with access needs through the recruitment process.
• Recruitment may begin before the closing date; early applications are advised as the position may be withdrawn at any time.