This role is all about cultural capacity, connection and impact. You’ll work alongside mana whenua, building genuine relationships and helping Council show up in ways that are respectful, consistent, and grounded in partnership. From engagement to conversations and guidance, your work ensures interactions with Māori communities are meaningful and done right.

You’ll also bring a Te Ao Māori perspective into projects across Council, helping teams think differently about how things are done and supporting the organisation to grow its cultural confidence. Whether it’s through practical guidance, championing tikanga, or being the go-to person when others are unsure, your influence will help embed cultural understanding across the organisation.

This is a varied and purposeful role with three key areas of focus:

• Māori engagement (30%) – nurturing trusted relationships with tangata whenua and Māori partners and key stakeholders

• Projects (30%) – embedding a Te Ao Māori perspective into Council initiatives from planning through to delivery

• Cultural capability (40%) – guiding teams and building confidence in tikanga across the organisation

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Be part of strengthening how Council connects and works alongside mana whenua and tangata whenua, helping ensure their voices and values shape meaningful outcomes.

• Support and shape projects so Māori perspectives are genuinely reflected, not just added on, contributing to decisions that have lasting impact for our communities.

• Help build cultural confidence across the organisation in a practical, down-to-earth way, equipping teams to engage respectfully and effectively.

• Influence Council’s approach to partnership and engagement, providing insights and guidance that bridge operational needs and cultural understanding.

• Work across multiple teams and projects, seeing opportunities to embed tikanga Māori into everyday processes and initiatives.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• You’ve worked alongside Māori communities and understand how to build trust and maintain relationships over time, knowing that consistency and integrity matter.

• You’re confident in tikanga Māori and comfortable guiding others in ways that feel supportive, practical, and empowering rather than overwhelming.

• You’re someone who can move between people, projects, and priorities, bringing a calm, practical approach to your work while keeping cultural values front of mind.

• You have excellent communication and facilitation skills, able to translate complex cultural concepts into guidance that is clear, actionable, and widely understood.

• You’re curious, adaptable, and collaborative, eager to support Council’s growth in cultural capability while delivering tangible results for our communities.

• You’re a team player that has the experience with a proven record of good strong relationship building skills, confidence and capability to deliver as a public servant.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks' annual leave after 2 years service

• Discounted health insurance work scheme + Eye test subsidy

• Retailer discounts + study assistance

• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)

• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club

• Free flu vaccinations (annual)

• Ka Awatea Cultural program + NCC Kapa Haka

• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent, full-time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday. You’ll be based in Napier CBD.

The annual salary package for this role is $105714 - $124370 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer dependent on your skills and experience.

We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening and drug & alcohol testing). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Kaupapa Hononga Māori Advisor - Māori Engagement & Projects Advisor