Aukaha (1997) Ltd

• Two exciting opportunities to make a difference in our community.
• Full time, fixed term roles, based in Dunedin.
• Hands-on, conservation focused roles.

About Us

We are a kaupapa Māori, not-for-profit consultancy based in Otago, working for and alongside mana whenua across environmental, cultural, and social domains.

Our role is to enable papatipu rūnaka and hapū aspirations by integrating mana whenua values into planning, development, and decision-making across our takiwā.

Aukaha operates as a trusted delivery partner, supporting mana-to-mana relationships with councils, agencies, and industry, while maintaining a strong commitment to cultural integrity and long-term intergenerational outcomes. We are owned and governed by five Kāi Tahu papatipu rūnaka:

• Te Rūnanga o Waihao
• Te Rūnanga o Moeraki
• Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki
• Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou
• Hokonui Rūnanga

About You

You are passionate about environmental conservation and have a strong connection to the land. You understand the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem restoration and are eager to contribute to meaningful conservation projects. You have physical fitness, resilience, and an enthusiastic attitude, enabling you to work outdoors in various weather conditions. You are a team player who can also work independently, and you value effective communication and cultural sensitivity. Your knowledge or willingness to learn about tikaka, te reo Māori, and te ao Kāi Tahu will be crucial in this role.

The Role – Kaiaka Taiao

We are seeking two Kaiaka Taiao (Rangers) to join our established field team, contributing to important conservation mahi across Otago. In this role, you will help protect biodiversity within QEII Covenants and support the restoration of freshwater ecosystems through pest plant control, native planting, and ongoing site maintenance. Reporting to the Kaiārahi (Team Lead), you will work closely with key stakeholders, including the Otago Regional Council, local landowners, and Te Papa Atawhai  Department of Conservation. This position also includes two one-week stay-away work trips within the 8-week term.

Please note, we are seeking to fill two positions, both of which are fixed term until 30 June 2026

Skills & Experience

• Physical fitness: Ability to work outdoors in different weather conditions.
• Environmental passion: Understanding of the importance of revegetation and pest plant control.
• Teamwork & communication: Strong skills in working effectively with others and communicating clearly.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic and physically demanding environment.
• Technical skills: Experience with hand tools, power tools (e.g., chainsaws, weed eaters), and GPS tracking.
• Cultural competence: Knowledge or willingness to learn about Kāi Tahu Whānui, tikanga, and Te Reo Māori.
• Safety awareness: Commitment to health and safety protocols.
• Attention to detail: Ability to follow instructions accurately and record work completed for reporting.
• Practical skills: Experience or willingness to develop skills in chemical handling, chainsaw operation, 4WD operation, and navigation.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience in conservation, ecological restoration, or landscape-scale weed control.
• Prior work in planting teams or ecological projects.

Aukaha is guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to bicultural practice and a high-performing workplace.

We offer a competitive salary, with scope for growth aligned to performance and organisational impact, a flexible working environment, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful outcomes for mana whenua and our wider communities.

Please apply via our website directly: https://aukaha.co.nz/work-with-us/

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applications close on Friday 15 May 11:59pm