Te Kaitohutohu Matua Māori - Senior Māori Policy Advisor

At Napier City Council, we know that strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and meaningful outcomes for Māori matter and starts with good leadership, insight, and strategic approach to relationships and good governance opportunities.

We’re seeking Te Kaitohutohu Matua Māori - Senior Māori Policy Advisor to join Te Waka Rangapū; a pivotal role that shapes how Council delivers on its responsibilities to Ahuriri Māori today and into the future.

This senior role sits at the heart of Council decision-making. You’ll work across the organisation and with Mana Whenua to embed Te Ao Māori, uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and influence policy, planning, and governance at all levels. Your advice will help leaders and elected members navigate complexity, anticipate future challenges, and make decisions that are culturally grounded, strategic, and enduring.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

You’ll be someone others turn to for trusted advice able to navigate complexity, bring clarity, and support good decision-making in a way that respects tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

• Shape how Council partners with Mana Whenua ki Ahuriri and delivers outcomes that impact the Māori community

• Influence organisation-wide decisions, providing advice to senior leaders and elected members

• Navigate government reform, legislation, and complex policy environments with foresight and confidence

• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with iwi, hapū, and Māori organisations

• Strengthen Council capability, helping colleagues grow confidence in Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

• Protect and uplift Māori values, knowledge, and stories across Napier

• Lead and contribute within a team committed to thoughtful, respectful, and collaborative practice

He kōrero mōhou - About You

We’re looking for someone with a good balance of experience, sound judgement, and the ability to build strong, respectful relationships.

You might bring:

• Experience in policy, planning, or advisory work (local government, public sector or iwi/Māori organisations)

• A strong understanding of Te Ao Māori me ōna tikanga

• Experience working alongside Mana Whenua, iwi or hapū

• Knowledge of legislation such as the RMA, LGA and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

• The ability to take complex information and make it clear and practical

• Confidence working with a range of people — from community through to governance level

Just as important is how you work with integrity, openness, and a genuine commitment to positive outcomes for Māori and the wider community.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks' annual leave after 2 years service

• Discounted health insurance work scheme + Eye test subsidy

• Retailer discounts + study assistance

• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)

• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club

• Free flu vaccinations (annual)

• Ka Awatea Cultural program + NCC Kapa Haka

• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent, full-time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday. You’ll be based in Napier CBD.

The annual salary package for this role is $112,912 - $ 132,837 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer dependent on your skills and experience.

We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening and drug & alcohol testing). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Te Kaitohutohu Matua Māori - Senior Māori Policy Advisor