Title:  Kaiārahi Hononga Māori | Māori Relations Lead

• Lead meaningful engagement with Iwi, Hapū and Māori organisations across nationally significant KiwiRail programmes and projects
• Permanent role based in Wellington with flexible and hybrid working options available
• Help shape the integration of Te Ao Māori, Tikanga Māori and Mātauranga Māori across KiwiRail and contribute to stronger partnerships with Mana Whenua

Position Description

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role

KiwiRail is committed to building strong, enduring relationships with Iwi, Hapū and Māori communities as we deliver rail and ferry services that connect Aotearoa.  As Māori Relations Lead, you will play a key role within our national Māori Relations team, supporting the delivery of KiwiRail's Māori Relations Plan and helping embed Te Ao Māori and Mātauranga Māori across the organisation. Reporting to the Pou Whakahaere – GM Māori, you will work closely with project teams, business leaders, Mana Whenua partners, and external stakeholders to ensure meaningful engagement, partnership, and positive outcomes for Māori and KiwiRail.  This role offers the opportunity to influence significant projects and strategic initiatives while strengthening relationships that support KiwiRail's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our vision of Stronger Connections for a Better New Zealand.

Ngā kawenga matua | Key accountabilities include:

• Building and maintaining trusted relationships with Iwi, Hapū, Māori organisations and Mana Whenua partners
• Facilitating meaningful engagement and partnership opportunities across major projects and programmes
• Advising and supporting project teams to develop and implement effective Iwi engagement strategies
• Promoting and integrating Te Ao Māori, Tikanga Māori and Mātauranga Māori across KiwiRail activities
• Facilitating hui and supporting communications between KiwiRail, Mana Whenua, contractors and project stakeholders
• Supporting the delivery of the Iwi/Māori engagement strategy and related communications plans
• Identifying and managing relationship risks while fostering positive outcomes for all parties
• Providing guidance and education to teams on effective engagement with Iwi and Māori communities
• Strengthening KiwiRail's reputation through authentic, respectful and collaborative engagement practices
• Supporting organisational understanding of Māori aspirations, values and engagement approaches

Ngā pūmanawa ka kawea mai e koe | What you will bring

• Demonstrated experience in Iwi engagement, stakeholder engagement, relationship management or a related field
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance within a large and complex organisation
• Deep knowledge and understanding of Tikanga Māori
• Proficiency in Te Reo Māori
• Exceptional relationship-building, influencing and communication skills
• Experience working across diverse stakeholder groups, including government agencies, community organisations and Māori entities
• The ability to navigate complex environments and manage competing priorities with confidence
• Strong facilitation, advisory and collaboration skills
• A commitment to fostering inclusive partnerships and creating positive outcomes for Māori communities
• Understanding of the rail, transport, infrastructure or public sector environment would be advantageous
• Knowledge of Resource Management principles and processes would be beneficial

Ngā hua māu | What's in it for you

• Competitive salary package
• KiwiSaver employer contributions 4% paid in addition to the remuneration package offered
• Five weeks annual leave
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Travel privileges with heavily discounted fares on Great Journeys New Zealand and Interislander services for eligible employees and their families
•  Membership of the New Zealand Railways Staff Welfare Trust, providing access to a range of benefits for you and your dependants. This includes KiwiRail holiday homes throughout New Zealand at heavily subsidised rates.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) available for employees and immediate family members
• Access to continuous learning, career development, mentoring and growth opportunities across KiwiRail

Kua rite koe ki te whai pānga? | Ready to make a difference?

If you are passionate about strengthening partnerships with Māori, championing Te Ao Māori, and helping deliver meaningful outcomes across Aotearoa, we'd love to hear from you.  Bring your relationship-building expertise, cultural knowledge and collaborative leadership style to KiwiRail and help us create stronger connections for a better New Zealand.

Applications close: Wednesday 5th of August 2026

KiwiRail is committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities and experiences because together we are stronger