Mana Whenua Engagement Advisor
Connect mana whenua iwi and Wellington Water teams, to ensure projects are delivered with respect for cultural values, environmental stewardship, community wellbeing and Te mana ō ō te wai.
Build and strengthen trusted Relationships
Embed Te Ao Māori in our Capital Delivery Programme
Based in Petone office, flexible working
This is a full time position of 40 hours per week
The remuneration range for this role is $93,445 to $131,922 including KiwiSaver, appointment remuneration is dependent on experience.
The opportunity
The Mana Whenua Engagement Advisor plays a key role in fostering meaningful partnerships with mana whenua and iwi to ensure their voices and values are integrated into the delivery of our Capital, Operational and Strategic Programmes.
In this role you’ll be central to embedding a Te Ao Māori perspective within the organisation and provide advice on engagement strategies that reflect shared values and aspirations. Bridging communication between mana whenua iwi and Wellington Water teams, you’ll ensure that projects are delivered with respect for cultural values, environmental stewardship, community wellbeing and Te mana ō te wai. Responsibilities will include:
Build and maintain effective and trusted relationships with mana whenua and iwi, council and Industry Māori advisors fostering mutual understanding and respect
Facilitate clear meaningful communication and engagement between Wellington Water and mana whenua partners in relation to our Capital Delivery Programme
Support the growth and uplift of capability in Te Ao Māori, Te Mana o Te Wai for Project Managers through coaching, templates, toolkits, and induction
Partner with Programme, Project and other Leaders to provide advice on how Te Mana ō te Wai principals can be incorporated into their projects and programmes.
Collaborate with mana whenua iwi monitors to integrate tangata whenua values into project workflows, capturing insights to improve project outcomes and manage risks.
About you
To be successful in this role you will bring:
A relevant tertiary qualification of relevant work experience
Proven ability to build and sustain trusted relationships with mana whenua iwi and/or Māori entities
Experience providing advice to People Leaders, Programme Managers and staff relating to Māori engagement and Tikanga Māori.
An understanding of the RMA and consenting requirements applied to civil projects, land development and utility services
Experience in producing written recommendations to governance and leadership committees
An intrinsic understanding of Te Reo and Tikanga Māori grounded in personal and community experience
Benefits
At Wellington Water, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.
Our benefits include:
Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home
Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
Formal and informal professional development opportunities
5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service
For a full list of our employee benefits click here.
About us
Wellington Water Ltd is the professional water services provider across Greater Wellington and South Wairarapa. Our job is to provide safe and healthy drinking water, collect and treat wastewater, and ensure the stormwater network is well managed. We’re a multi-council owned entity, tasked to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities. From 1 July 2026, a new chapter in water services begins. Tiaki Wai will take over responsibility for providing Three Waters Services to approximately 433,000 residents across the Wellington metro regions.
Tiaki Wai will own the water assets it operates giving it greater independence to manage and improve water services for current and future communities, Wellington Water employees will transition into this new council-owned entity.
The value of water (a precious taonga) sits at our organisational heart. Our people are passionate about providing water services for our communities and environment which is reflective in our values; Tangata Tiaki, Whānau and Mana.
Applications close: Wednesday 24 June 2026
How to apply
To view a copy of the position description: click here
To apply for the role, click on the ”apply” button or visit the Wellington Water Careers site, please note if you are a Wellington Water employee please apply using your work email.
For further information, email: JoinUs@wellingtonwater.co.nz
Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Wellington Water. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.
- Department
- Chief Executive's Office
- Locations
- Petone Office
Petone Office
Staff benefits
1. Inclusive Culture: It is important to us that people love our culture. We embrace a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is at our core. Our team is united by passion, dedication, and a shared care for water and our community.
2. Safety and Support: We provide an Employee Assistance Scheme for crucial personal support, along with wellbeing and lifestyle education delivered through our Wellbe Team, ensuring you feel supported in and out of the workplace.
3. Health is Wealth: We prioritise your health with an annual voluntary health "warrant of fitness," immunisations, and flu vaccinations. Moreover, enjoy annual subsidised vision testing and contributions toward glasses to ensure clear vision.
4. Work-Life Balance: Where possible there is access to flexible work practices. And take advantage of our annual leave, reaching five weeks after three years of service, and 10 days sick leave from starting with us. In addition, take one paid day a year for your personal Wellbeing. We also offer parental leave and partner entitlements to support you during significant life moments.
5. Comprehensive Benefits: We have partnered with providers for discounted Southern Cross medical insurance, periodic vision and hearing tests, and eyewear subsidies. You can also access discounts at a range of retailers via Boost. Gain access to top-notch gear, machinery, PPE, and tools, fostering a safe work environment if you are “on the tools”. We also offer a staff referral bonus paid when a person is recruited for a senior front line position, and we may offer relocation support if you need to move into the district to work here.
6. Professional Growth: Grow your skills with a range of development opportunities. Boosting your personal and work career.
7. Community Connection: You can take one paid day a year to participate in voluntary work on a water-related activity. And maybe join our active Waiata group and be part of a community that works together, sings, and thrives together.
About Wellington Water Ltd
Wellington Water is owned by the Hutt, Porirua, Upper Hutt and Wellington city, South Wairarapa District, and the Greater Wellington Regional councils
The work Wellington Water does is vital and rewarding. We’re tangata tiaki for Wellington’s water, and caretakers of our water infrastructure. Every day, we work to ensure that our communities have access to safe, sufficient, reliable and efficient water services. WWL is growing, and opportunities are growing along with it. It’s a transformative time in the industry.