- Champion sites and places of significance to Mana Whenua
- Help shape best practice for Māori heritage outcomes
- Be part of a passionate, kaupapa Māori-led team
He angitūtanga: The opportunity
Te Kaunihera (Auckland Council) and Mana Whenua have jointly established the Māori Cultural Heritage Programme (MCHP) – a kaupapa-led initiative to identify, map, manage, and protect Māori heritage places across Tāmaki Makaurau. As Specialist Māori Heritage, you’ll provide expert technical advice, lead key workstreams, support and maintain partnerships with Mana Whenua to protect and enhance Māori cultural heritage.
Te hiranga o tēnei mahi: Why this role matters
This role directly contributes to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and supporting Māori Outcomes. Through the MCHP, you’ll help ensure the sites, stories, and taonga of Mana Whenua are recognised, respected, and safeguarded for future generations. This mahi also strengthens how Auckland Council integrates mātauranga Māori and tikanga into its decision-making.
Ngā kawenga matua: Key responsibilities
- Provide high-quality technical advice on Māori heritage matters
- Lead or contribute to workstreams within the Māori Cultural Heritage Programme
- Build strong relationships with Mana Whenua, council teams, and communities
- Support team members through applying your skillsets and expertise
To view the full position description: click here
He kōrero mōu: About you
You’ll bring a deep understanding of Te Ao Māori and experience applying kaupapa Māori in your work. You’re confident navigating both technical and cultural contexts and can foster collaborative relationships with iwi, hapū, and colleagues alike.
You will also have:
- Experience in planning, heritage, or resource management
- Knowledge of tikanga Māori and comfort working with Māori-led frameworks
- Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and coordination skills
- A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., Māori Development, Planning, Heritage, Archaeology) is preferred or,
- Have worked in Māori heritage, planning, archaeology, GIS, or Treaty settlement spaces.
We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement listed. What matters most is your ability to contribute to the protection and recognition of Māori heritage and your commitment to working in partnership with Mana Whenua. We know transferable skills can come from diverse life and work experiences.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
Join a team where your mahi has meaning. You’ll work alongside others who value kotahitanga, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, tika, pono, and aroha. Cultural integrity, acknowledgement and protection of Mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge systems and intellectual property) are important principles upheld by the team.
- A strong kaupapa Māori environment with supportive leadership
- Opportunities to build your capability across Māori heritage and council systems
- Access to Auckland Council’s benefits, including health and wellbeing support, professional development, and partner discounts view here
Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.
Tono mai: Apply now!
Applications close: Sunday 3rd August 2025
Hours: Hybrid working (2 days home, 3 days office)
Contract Type: Permanent / 40 hours
Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and suitable candidates may be invited for an interview before the advertised closing date.
Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.