Kia hiwa rā!
The Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu nomination and appointment process is being undertaken to appoint Ngāi Tahu representatives to Department of Conservation Regional Conservation Boards.
Functions of the Conservation Board
Conservation Boards oversee the development of the conservation management strategies; conservation management plans and any national park management plan within its area of jurisdiction. The Boards play an important role in ensuring public submissions are reflected in plans and that plans are implemented as approved.
Purpose of the role
The purpose of this role is to represent the Ngāi Tahu perspective to the Conservation Board ensuring that any issues of tribal significance are reported to Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu while also ensuring that tribal matters of significance are represented to the Board.
Required skills, experience and qualifications
Positions available
There are two board positions available:
Meeting details
Most Boards meet four-five times a year; occasionally more often. Meetings take a full day. When linked to a field trip or inspection visit, they can take two/three days, sometimes over a weekend. There will also be committee meetings, time required for researching issues and working on reports or submissions, preparation time spent reading briefing material before meetings and time for liaison and public consultation. Remuneration of $500 per day for a meeting. $250 of this is met by the DOC and $250 by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Reasonable expenses for travel, accommodation and meals approved in advance by the Board will be reimbursed by the Department of Conservation.
How to apply
To apply for the positions, you will need to engage with your Papatipu Rūnanga to complete the nomination process (please see below which Rūnanga is/are eligible to nominate for each region).
For further information on the nomination process or if you require support connecting with your Papatipu Rūnanga please contact Mishele Radford on 021943816 or mishele.radford@ngaitahu.iwi.nz
Nominations must be received by end of business Friday 9 January 2026. Formal notification will be sent to nominees following a review and appointment process.
Papatipu Rūnanga eligible to nominate for each regional Conservation Board:
Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board
Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura
Southland Conservation Board
Te Rūnaka o Awarua Hokonui Rūnanga
Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka
Waihōpai Rūnaka
Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai!
Kōia te Mātauraka is an education specialist company jointly owned by seven rūnanga. We are seeking a Whānau Ora Navigator to work alongside ākonga, whānau, kura and communities to build pathways to full and equitable education opportunities and outcomes. Te Tūhana is the culturally responsive future-focussed framework Kōia te Mātauraka will implement in the attendance catchment to address these needs. Te Tūhana is a model responsive to the community it sits within; it seeks varied and effective methods to perpetuate long-term solutions that will be sustainable and empower a community to realise the potential of all ākonga. Designed around the central tenets of Te Whare Tapa Whā where each of the elements are in place, balanced and considered as part of a good future outcome.
Purpose:
The Whānau Ora Navigator will work in a small team that serves as a pivotal bridge between whānau, kura and the community. This role involves supporting whānau to implement long-term plans developed through Kōia te Mātauraka attendance services. The Navigator facilitates access to resources, provides tailored support and guidance, and upholds cultural values to enhance the wellbeing of whānau.
Plan Development and Implementation
Collaborate with whānau to review, refine, and implement the goals and strategies outlined in Whānau Plans. Ensure whānau achieve their aspirations by aligning actions with the outcomes identified. Guide whānau to actively participate in the development of sustainable pathways that reflect their long-term goals and cultural values.
Outcome Monitoring and Reporting
Track and document whānau progress toward achieving their plans’ outcomes, identifying barriers and successes. Provide detailed updates to the attendance manager, highlighting achievements and areas requiring additional support. Ensure plans are fully actioned within the contract period, focusing on measurable outcomes that align with Whānau Ora goals.
Connection to Resources
Identify and facilitate connections to community resources, services, and networks that will support whānau in achieving their long-term plans. Build and maintain strong relationships with local providers to ensure seamless referrals and service delivery. Equip whānau with tools, knowledge, and resources to sustain their independence beyond the contract term. Cultural Advocacy Uphold Te Ao Māori values in all interactions, ensuring cultural practices are central to the development and implementation of whānau plans.
Collaboration and Problem-Solving
Work closely with colleagues, external partners, and whānau to address challenges and ensure successful plan implementation. Provide feedback and insights to improve the effectiveness of Whānau Ora service delivery.
General Duties & Responsibilities
•Prioritize workload to ensure work of the greatest importance to the business is undertaken with urgency and to a high standard.
•Demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills.
•Responsibly manage all business resources within accountability levels.
•Undertake all duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description and all other duties as required by the business.
•Comply with all employment obligations.
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
•Experience in social work, community engagement, Whānau Ora service delivery within the community or attendance context.
•Strong understanding of Te Ao Māori and a commitment to incorporating Māori values into practice.
•Proven ability to achieve measurable outcomes within a defined timeframe.
•Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with a culturally sensitive approach.
•Excellent organisational and reporting skills to monitor and document progress effectively.
•Full driver’s license and ability to travel into the Timaru Catchment as needed.
• Stakeholder relationship management experience, community network building and outside agency engagement.
• An understanding of the role of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in transformative change within a government structure.
• An ability to work with and be responsive to whānau, hapū and iwi- knowledge of Ngāi Tahu papatipu rūnanga structures and systems is beneficial.
• Familiarity with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the responsibilities that sit within education systems.
• A high-level understanding of current legislative strategic policy and expectations within education.
• Strong relationship and time management skills, the ability to meet deadlines in a complex environment and to report using established frameworks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• An undergraduate qualification in a relevant field or suitable experience and professional development.
• The ability to pass a full New Zealand police check.
Application close 5pm 21st November 2025
Apply now – Contact koiatematauraka@ngaitahu.iwi.nz for more information. Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai!
This person will be responsible for leading a team that works alongside whānau and education organisations to meet the attendance needs of all ākonga.
We are looking for an individual with:
• Leadership in education and/or social work (youth work) and an understanding of appropriate systems management.
• Experience in building effective, adaptable and accountable teams to effect transformative change.
• Flexibility and the skills to manage a small independent team that is also integrated into a larger established and effective team structure.
• Confidence and competence to guide, mentor and lead Te Tūhana with educators and whānau alike.
• Stakeholder relationship management experience, community network building and outside agency engagement.
• An understanding of the role of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in transformative change within a government structure.
• An ability to work with and be responsive to whānau, hapū and iwi- knowledge of Ngāi Tahu papatipu rūnanga structures and systems is beneficial.
• Familiarity with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the responsibilities that sit within education systems.
• A high-level understanding of current legislative strategic policy and expectations within education.
• Strong relationship and time management skills, the ability to meet deadlines in a complex environment and to report using established frameworks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• An undergraduate qualification in a relevant field.
• A full New Zealand drivers licence.
• The ability to pass a full New Zealand police check.
Mō mātou – About us
Kōia Te Mātauraka is a Charitable Company that has been established by seven Ngāi Tahu papatipu rūnaka in the
Mahaanui takiwā/Canterbury Region, those being; Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua Society Incorporated, Te Rūnanga o
Koukourārata Society Incorporated, Ōnuku Rūnanga Incorporated, Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke Incorporated, Te
Taumutu Rūnanga Limited, Te Rūnanga o Waihao Incorporated Society and Wairewa Rūnanga
Incorporated.
Apply now – Contact koiatematauraka@ngaitahu.iwi.nz for more information. Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai!
Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ), formed from the merger of NIWA and GNS Science, is a leading research organisation advancing sustainable use of New Zealand’s land, marine, freshwater, energy, and mineral resources. Through innovative science and technology, ESNZ enhances resilience to natural hazards and climate change, supports biodiversity and ecosystem stewardship, and drives economic growth across six mission areas: Geological Hazards, Weather and Climate Hazards, Energy, Land and Freshwater, Climate and Weather, and Oceans.
As part of our ongoing commitment to Māori environmental research and development, ESNZ is offering a graduate internship opportunity for recent Māori science graduates (BSc or MSc). Co-hosted by Te Kūwaha – ESNZ’s National Centre of Māori Environmental Research – and the AI and Deep Learning team, this internship is designed to provide hands-on experience at the intersection of science and advanced technology.
The specific project will be tailored to the aptitude and interests of the intern and will include some or all of the following:
-Internship Highlights Engage in advanced technology projects across climate science, freshwater and marine ecosystems, aquaculture, natural hazards, and environmental data systems.
-Contribute to cutting-edge research.
-Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and mentorship from experienced data scientists and Earth researchers.
-Gain exposure to AI-driven modelling, sensor technologies, and digital platforms used in environmental monitoring and forecasting.
-Opportunities to contribute to publications or open-source tools.
-Hands-on experience with ESNZ’s computing infrastructure, including cloud-based platforms, high-performance supercomputing clusters, and exploratory quantum computing environments.
What You’ll Do
Contribute to real-world active research projects that apply AI and deep learning to Earth science data. You’ll work alongside ESNZ’s researchers and data scientists on projects ranging from development and testing AI models for real-time hazard modelling or creating tools to analyse satellite imagery and remote sensing data, through to engaging with commercial partners for forecasting the impacts of environmental conditions or simulating atmospheric chemistry with quantum computing.
Location & Duration
Interns will preferably be based in Christchurch to benefit from in-person mentorship with leading Data Scientists in our AI and Deep Learning Team. However, placements in Wellington or Auckland could also be accommodated. Regardless of location, interns will have opportunities to contribute to collaborative projects across ESNZ’s national research network. This is a 12-month full-time fixed-term internship, starting in November 2025 (negotiable).
Who Should Apply
If you are a passionate Māori graduate looking to make a meaningful impact in environmental science and technology and are keen to explore a long-term career in research, we encourage you to apply. Proficiency in Python (and libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib), familiarity with machine learning frameworks (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch), or experience with geospatial tools (e.g., QGIS, GDAL, rasterio) would be a bonus. However, we welcome applications from anyone with strong analytical thinking, curiosity about Earth systems, effective communication skills, and a genuine enthusiasm to learn.
Link to application here > Te Kuwaha – Graduate Internship – NIWA – Careers at Science New Zealand