Regional Strategy Manager, Pūtake Taiao – Te Uraura
About Raukawa Charitable Trust
Raukawa Charitable Trust (RCT) is an iwi-lead organisation delivering environmental, cultural, social and community outcomes across the Raukawa takiwā in the Central North Island. Our head office is located in Tokoroa, with satellite offices throughout our takiwā.
Pūtake Taiao is RCT’s environmental group leading strategy, policy, planning, partnerships and implementation across national, regional and district policy and planning frameworks to protect and advance Raukawa rights and interests, embed Raukawa mātauranga, and deliver enduring outcomes for our taiao.
The Role
We have a unique opportunity for an experienced, strategic and people-focused leader to join our Te Uraura Regional Strategy team as Regional Strategy Manager.
This role leads a small, highly capable team working across regional and local planning matters, the Raukawa Co-Management Framework for the Waikato River, Joint Management Agreement work programmes, and the regional implementation of resource management reform. You will play a key role in ensuring Raukawa priorities, and long-term environmental aspirations are embedded early
in policy, planning and implementation processes and frameworks.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide leadership, direction and support to the Te Uraura Regional Strategy team
- Provide strategic advice to Pūtake Taiao Group Manager, senior leadership and governors
- Advocate for Raukawa rights and interests within regional and local policy, strategic and planning frameworks ·
- Lead Raukawa’s regional implementation of resource management reform for Raukawa; including the Planning Act and Natural Environment Act, by translating national-level
direction and Raukawa positions into regional planning, natural resource management and council implementation processes.
- Lead early and proactive input into regional plans and policy statements, long-term and spatial planning, freshwater, biodiversity, climate resilience, natural hazards, infrastructure
and growth processes.
- Oversee and support Raukawa responses to resource consent applications, ensuring potential effects on Raukawa rights, interests, values and environmental outcomes are appropriately identified, assessed and responded to.
- Lead implementation of the Raukawa Co-Management Framework for the Waikato River and settlement related work programmes
- Maintaining robust relationships with councils, iwi partners, stakeholders and communities
- Identify strategic opportunities that advance Raukawa environmental outcomes
About you:
- Proven leadership experience, including leading and developing small teams
- Senior level experience in resource management, planning, environmental policy, local government, iwi environmental management, law, or a related field
- Strong knowledge of environmental legislation, regional planning processes. Experience in the following would be advantageous: Current resource management reform, including the transition from the Resource Management Act to new Planning Act and Natural Environment Act settings
- Experience working with councils on policy and planning processes covering freshwater, biodiversity, natural hazards, climate adaptation, infrastructure and growth planning
- High level relationship management and communication skills with the confidence to represent Raukawa rights, responsibilities and aspirations in complex forums
- Strong analytical, research and written communication skills, including experience preparing policy advice, submissions, evidence or strategic reports.
- The ability to translate Māori knowledge and a Māori world view into mainstream planning frameworks and vice versa.
- Knowledge of tikanga Māori, or commitment to develop with our support.
- A tertiary qualification preferably in resource and environmental planning, law, policy, management, environmental science, mātauranga Māori, or another related qualification, or equivalent senior experience.
- A full driver licence.
What we offer:
- A meaningful leadership role influencing regional environmental outcomes
- A supportive values-driven team environment
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Health insurance and EAP support
- Flexibility around working hours and location, by agreement
Applications will be assessed as they are received.
Applications close: Wednesday 17th June 2026.
