Job Description

Kaitūhono | Māori Partnerships Lead

Indigenous Partnerships & Engagement

Location – Palmerston North preferred | Lincoln, Mt Albert, Rotorua or Ruakura also considered

Permanent Full-Time

Mō te Pakihi | About the Company:

The Bioeconomy Science Institute brings together over 2,000 scientists, researchers and specialists working across New Zealand's food, fibre, forestry and environmental sectors. Our purpose is to power a thriving bioeconomy through world-leading science, innovation and collaboration.

Working alongside industry, communities and partners, we turn research into practical solutions that support sustainable growth, environmental resilience and positive outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role

Strong partnerships are at the heart of impactful science.

As Kaitūhono | Māori Partnerships Lead, you will help build and strengthen trusted relationships with Māori organisations, iwi, hapū, trusts, incorporations and enterprises across Aotearoa. Working alongside our Indigenous Partnerships & Engagement and Indigenous Research teams, you'll support the development of Māori-led, Māori-centred and Kaupapa Māori research while helping connect partners with scientific expertise that supports their aspirations.

This role sits within the Indigenous Innovation & Partnerships team and provides a unique opportunity to work at the interface of te ao Māori, research, innovation and partnership development. You'll help ensure Māori voices, priorities and opportunities are reflected in the way we engage, collaborate and deliver science.

Ngā whāinga matua | What you will be doing

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with Māori organisations, communities and stakeholders across the motu.
• Support tikanga-led and values-based engagement approaches that strengthen partnerships and create enduring impact.
• Identify opportunities to connect Māori aspirations with Institute science capabilities and research programmes.
• Support the development and delivery of Māori-led, Māori-centred and Kaupapa Māori research initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with researchers, partners and funding agencies to develop research opportunities and secure new projects.
• Help grow organisational capability in engaging effectively with Māori and embedding Te Ao Māori perspectives in research and engagement approaches.
• Provide insights and intelligence on emerging opportunities, partner priorities and sector trends to help shape future research directions.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of the Māori Partnerships Plan and wider Indigenous Innovation & Partnerships objectives.

Ōpūmanawa | About you

You'll be an authentic relationship-builder who is passionate about supporting Māori aspirations through collaboration, innovation and science.

You'll bring:

• Strong knowledge and experience in te ao Māori and tikanga Māori.
• An understanding of Māori agribusiness, whenua Māori, the Māori bioeconomy, and related sectors.
• Experience building and maintaining trusted stakeholder relationships across diverse environments.
• Experience in relationship management, partnership development, business development or a similar engagement-focused role.
• Knowledge of Vision Mātauranga and the role of Māori in research, science and innovation.
• The ability to navigate both Māori and organisational environments with credibility and confidence.
• Strong communication, facilitation and influencing skills.
• Sound commercial, project planning and organisational capability.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in business, science or a related discipline.

A current driver's licence is required, and travel throughout Aotearoa will be part of the role.

Ngā Hua o te Tūranga | Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to help shape how the Bioeconomy Science Institute works alongside Māori to create meaningful and lasting impact.

You'll have the chance to:

• Build partnerships that support Māori aspirations and innovation.
• Work alongside leading researchers, scientists and industry experts.
• Contribute to Māori-led, Māori-centred and Kaupapa Māori research initiatives.
• Influence the future direction of research and engagement across the bioeconomy.
• Grow your expertise at the intersection of te ao Māori, science and partnership development.
• Be part of an organisation with a clear purpose and a bold vision for Aotearoa.

Tono Mai | Apply Now

If you're passionate about building meaningful partnerships and creating opportunities that advance Māori aspirations through science and innovation, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply via our careers page and include a cover letter telling us what you'll bring to the role.

To view the position description, please here.

If you have any questions, please contact Shontelle Bishara, General Manager Indigenous Partnerships, at Shontelle.Bishara@bioeconomy.nz

Applications close Sunday, 11 October at 11.59 pm.

We are running an internal recruitment process initially, reflecting our commitment to supporting internal career development. If an appointment is not made through this process, we may extend the search to external candidates