Aukaha (1997) Ltd

Kaiārahi Taiao – Environmental Advisor

• Support the inclusion of mātauraka Kāi Tahu into science, policy, strategy and other work programmes relating to te taiao.
• Fixed Term Role | 12 months
• Role based in Ōtepoti | Dunedin

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.

Aukaha is entering a new phase focused on strengthening delivery performance, improving financial sustainability, and building a scalable model for future growth.

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

The Kaiārahi Taiao – Environmental Advisor plays a key role in embedding mātauraka Kāi Tahu across science, policy, strategy, and environmental work programmes. This position provides trusted cultural and technical guidance to ensure that whakaaro Māori are meaningfully integrated into decision-making processes and project outcomes.

The role actively fosters and maintains strong relationships between whānau, rūnaka, Aukaha, and a wide range of partners and clients, acting as a vital conduit for communication, collaboration, and shared understanding. It supports the protection and enhancement of te taiao by advocating for kaupapa that reflect Kāi Tahu values, aspirations, and tikanga.

Through leadership, advice, and engagement, the Kaiārahi Taiao contributes to shaping outcomes that uphold kaitiakitaka, strengthen cultural integrity, and deliver sustainable environmental solutions for current and future generations.

All delivery must align with mana whenua values, tikaka, and the expectations of our shareholding rūnaka.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide expert advice to embed mātauraka Kāi Tahu across environmental policy, planning, science, and monitoring programmes.
• Support and contribute to statutory processes, including resource consents, submissions, cultural impact assessments, and hearings.
• Deliver high-quality scientific and technical advice to Aukaha, rūnaka, councils, and stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with whānau, rūnaka, local authorities, and the wider scientific community.
• Support rūnaka to articulate and uphold their values in natural resource management and decision-making processes.
• Contribute to environmental reporting, project delivery, and organisational priorities, including identifying and managing risks.
• Assist in the implementation of iwi management plans, cultural monitoring programmes, and relevant policy frameworks.

What You’ll Bring

• An understanding of iwi, hapū and rūnaka aspirations, including the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in environmental contexts.
• Proven ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships with whānau, rūnaka, local authorities and diverse stakeholders.
• A collaborative and adaptable approach, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to a range of audiences.
• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret legislation, policy and technical information.
• A proactive, organised and resilient work style, with the ability to manage competing priorities and respond to changing demands.
• A tertiary qualification in environmental science or a related field, with at least 2 years’ relevant experience.
• Experience working with iwi, communities and/or local government is highly valued.
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn, tikaka, te reo Māori, and te ao Kāi Tahu

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 will close 01 May 2026 11:59pm.