Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT) is committed to the preservation, protection, and enhancement of the Te Arawa Lakes, honouring a legacy that spans over a century and uplifting the wellbeing of the wider Te Arawa community.
We are seeking a highly capable individual to lead and maintain TALT’s strategic standing within the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group (RTALSG). This is a pivotal role responsible for driving TALT’s contribution to the Lakes Programme, embedding the Lakes Strategy, and ensuring Te Tūāpapa o Ngā Wai o Te Arawa and He Mahere Taiao are implemented across programme planning and delivery.
In this role, you will:
- Lead TALT’s role within the RTALSG, ensuring Te Tūāpapa o Ngā Wai o Te Arawa and He Mahere Taiao guide Lakes Programme planning and delivery.
- Coordinate governance and programme processes, including PSG meetings, Annual Work Plan development, and preparation for Strategy Group hui.
- Provide high‑quality policy and legislative analysis, including submissions, briefing papers, and advice on RMA and environmental reforms.
- Review and assess resource consent applications affecting the Te Arawa lakes and lakebeds.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with councils, Crown agencies, iwi, and hapū to support effective co‑governance and statutory outcomes.
- Contribute to long‑term environmental and statutory strategy, including supporting the development of a modern resource management framework for Te Arawa.
To be considered for this role you will demonstrate:
- A relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, environmental management, law, planning, resource management, or a related field.
- At least 5 years’ experience in policy analysis, statutory planning, resource management, or a similar regulatory environment.
- Strong grounding in Te Ao Māori, including understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Arawa history, settlement legislation, and tikanga Māori, with a commitment to developing capability in Te Reo Māori.
- Deep technical knowledge of the Resource Management Act (RMA), local government processes, and environmental policy frameworks.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legislative and policy material into clear, practical advice for leadership, iwi, and hapū.
- Strong strategic thinking, analytical capability, and sound judgement
- High‑level negotiation, advocacy, and relationship‑building skills.
- The ability to navigate complex political and cultural environments with professionalism, diplomacy, and confidence
This is a rare opportunity to influence environmental decision‑making, strengthen co‑governance, and contribute to the future of the Te Arawa Lakes.
This role will be a fixed term contract for 12 months.
To apply please email your Cover Letter and CV to Karin Adams at karin@tearawa.iwi.nz or apply via Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Advisor Job in Rotorua Central, Bay of Plenty – SEEK. Applications Close 5pm Monday 1 June 2026.