Mana Whenua Engagement Advisor

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Build and strengthen trusted Relationships

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Embed Te Ao Māori in our Capital Delivery Programme

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Based in Petone office, flexible working

This is a full time position of 40 hours per week

The remuneration range for this role is $93,445 to $131,922 including KiwiSaver, appointment remuneration is dependent on experience.

The opportunity

The Mana Whenua Engagement Advisor plays a key role in fostering meaningful partnerships with mana whenua and iwi to ensure their voices and values are integrated into the delivery of our Capital, Operational and Strategic Programmes.

In this role you’ll be central to embedding a Te Ao Māori perspective within the organisation and provide advice on engagement strategies that reflect shared values and aspirations. Bridging communication between mana whenua iwi and Wellington Water teams, you’ll ensure that projects are delivered with respect for cultural values, environmental stewardship, community wellbeing and Te mana ō te wai. Responsibilities will include:

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Build and maintain effective and trusted relationships with mana whenua and iwi, council and Industry Māori advisors fostering mutual understanding and respect

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Facilitate clear meaningful communication and engagement between Wellington Water and mana whenua partners in relation to our Capital Delivery Programme

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Support the growth and uplift of capability in Te Ao Māori, Te Mana o Te Wai for Project Managers through coaching, templates, toolkits, and induction

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Partner with Programme, Project and other Leaders to provide advice on how Te Mana ō te Wai principals can be incorporated into their projects and programmes.

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Collaborate with mana whenua iwi monitors to integrate tangata whenua values into project workflows, capturing insights to improve project outcomes and manage risks.

About you

To be successful in this role you will bring

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A relevant tertiary qualification of relevant work experience

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Proven ability to build and sustain trusted relationships with mana whenua iwi and/or Māori entities

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Experience providing advice to People Leaders, Programme Managers and staff relating to Māori engagement and Tikanga Māori.

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An understanding of the RMA and consenting requirements applied to civil projects, land development and utility services

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Experience in producing written recommendations to governance and leadership committees

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An intrinsic understanding of Te Reo and Tikanga Māori grounded in personal and community experience

Benefits

At Wellington Water, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.

Our benefits include

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Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home

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Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually

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Formal and informal professional development opportunities

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5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service

For a full list of our employee benefits click here.

About us

Wellington Water Ltd is the professional water services provider across Greater Wellington and South Wairarapa. Our job is to provide safe and healthy drinking water, collect and treat wastewater, and ensure the stormwater network is well managed. We’re a multi-council owned entity, tasked to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities. From 1 July 2026, a new chapter in water services begins. Tiaki Wai will take over responsibility for providing Three Waters Services to approximately 433,000 residents across the Wellington metro regions.

Tiaki Wai will own the water assets it operates giving it greater independence to manage and improve water services for current and future communities, Wellington Water employees will transition into this new council-owned entity.

The value of water (a precious taonga) sits at our organisational heart. Our people are passionate about providing water services for our communities and environment which is reflective in our values; Tangata Tiaki, Whānau and Mana.

Applications close: Wednesday 24 June 2026

How to apply

To view a copy of the position description: click here

To apply for the role, click on the ”apply” button or visit the Wellington Water Careers site, please note if you are a Wellington Water employee please apply using your work email.

For further information, email: JoinUs@wellingtonwater.co.nz

Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Wellington Water. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.