Expressions of Interest
Senior Advisor (Land), Whakamana (Secondment)
Te Whiwhinga Mahi - The Opportunity
We are seeking expressions of interest for a secondment opportunity, end date 31 October 2025, to the position of Senior Advisor (Land), Whakamana, Governance.
The Senior Advisor (Land), Whakamana, will have over 4 years' experience in providing technical land advice and policy expertise particularly in relation to Crown land. The role will report to the Whakamana Director, Governance Puni, and will contribute to the Māori Crown Relations portfolio. A key focus will be on enabling the resolution of Stafford v Attorney-General litigation, including through the development of a settlement package.
The Senior Advisor (Land), Whakamana will play a lead role engaging across the Crown with departmental property teams, Crown Law Office, senior executives, and potentially plaintiff representatives. The position involves managing key land workstreams for the development of a package for the settlement of litigation under challenging timeframes. The role will contribute to the resolution of significant settlement issues.
Ko wai koe - About you
We are looking for a strong performer with over 4 years' experience in providing Crown land advice. This will include experience with Treaty settlements, either pre or post-settlement, between the Crown and iwi mandated entities or post-settlement governance entities, and a sound knowledge of the Crown's framework for the settlement of historical Treaty of Waitangi claims.
Qualifications & Technical Skills
- Significant experience in working with Crown land
- Law degree; or
- Relevant technical land qualification
- Arc GIS proficiency
Experience and knowledge required for effective performance in the position
- Expert knowledge of Crown owned land issues (including with some Crown forest land experience)
- Knowledge of property law and practice
- Technical legal skills to critically review draft bills and deeds of settlement
- Experience leading, coaching and mentoring others
- Relate well to a wide range of people and work effectively in both an individual and team situation
- Project management experience
- Knowledge of Treaty of Waitangi issues, both historical and contemporary
- Knowledge of government policy processes
- Experience working with minimal professional supervision
The Senior Advisor (Land), Whakamana is responsible for the provision of expert technical and policy advice on land issues to ensure that all resulting components for the settlement of litigation can be effectively implemented. This may include:
- Investigate and provide advice on the land sought for retention by either the plaintiff or the Crown
- Review, or in complex cases compile, legal descriptions
- Create maps, commission or create deed plans
- Review acquisition history that shows how property came into Crown ownership
- Document all steps taken to come to a view on availability
- Identify any risks from a Crown property perspective
- Explore, as may be required, the location of sites in relation to existing commercial opportunities
For more information about the skills and experience required for this secondment opportunity, please see the job description below.
Tono mai | Apply Now!
Tukuna mai tau tono ā-ipurangi | Please submit your application online with a CV and a cover letter.
Īmēratia vacancy@tpk.govt.nz me he pātai āu | Please email vacancy@tpk.govt.nz with any pātai.
Ka aukati ngā tono hei te Rātu 26 Hereturikōkā 2025 ā te 11:55pm | Applications close on Tuesday 26 August 2025 at 11:55pm.