25th August, 2026
Te Whiwhinga Mahi | The Opportunity
Te Tari Whakatau, the Office of Treaty Settlements and Takutai Moana, exists to complete Treaty of Waitangi settlements and administer the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011. A departmental agency hosted by the Ministry of Justice, Te Tari Whakatau operates at the heart of the Crown–Māori relationship, guided by the values of Mahi Tahi, Pono ki te kaupapa and Atawhaitia.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Deputy Chief Executive, Treaty Negotiations & Policy leads part of the Crown's Treaty settlement programme, including negotiations with Ngāpuhi and provides strategic direction and holds accountability for the organisation's Policy and Historian capability.
We are seeking an experienced leader who will take an enterprise view first, without losing sight of programme delivery. They will bring sustained strategic leadership, judgement and influence, with a deep understanding of Crown-Māori relationships and the system implications of settlement outcomes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Setting and driving strategy for the Ngāpuhi settlement programme, ensuring a clear pathway to a Treaty settlement
- Overseeing delivery across negotiations, redress development and transition to post-settlement implementation
- Providing strategic direction to policy and historian capability as organisation-wide functions
- Ensuring advice to Ministers is robust, well-tested and aligned with Crown priorities
- Lead across agencies and stakeholders to support aligned, coordinated negotiation positions
- Building and sustaining trusted relationships of influence in Wellington and Te Tai Tokerau
Ko wai koe | About You
You will bring senior public sector leadership experience, including advising Ministers, Cabinet and Select Committees, a strong track record of delivery and and a deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and He Whakaputanga, with capability in te ao Māori and tikanga Māori. Exceptional people leadership, and the ability to shape strategy and lead at an enterprise level, are essential.
Success in this role requires relevant experience and a demonstrated track record of leading programmes and delivering outcomes in complex, high-profile and politically sensitive contexts.
Tono Mai | Apply Now
This search is being managed by Rothley on behalf of Te Tari Whakatau.
Please apply through SEEK; or alternatively for a conversation in confidence, please contact Kirsty Brown on 021 660 757 or Hannah Anderson on 027 637 1382.
For a candidate information pack, please email info@rothley.co.nz.
Applications close at 5pm on Monday 7 September.
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