Pou Hononga Senior Advisor - GNS Science x 2 - NIWA

We’re seeking two Pou Hononga: Senior Advisors Māori Research to strengthen and support enduring, mutually beneficial partnerships with Māori across our science missions.

What You’ll Do

• Partner with Māori (iwi, hapū, whānau, Māori organisations and entities) and internal leaders to support programmes that deliver outcomes for Māori across missions.
• Influence research direction, enable high-quality delivery, and help ensure our work creates meaningful outcomes for Māori.
• Coordinate and develop projects from enquiries, opportunities and ideas.
• Provide Vision Mātauranga leadership and support funding proposals/tenders requiring Māori engagement.
• Create accessible outputs and communications for Māori audiences.
• Help manage risks relating to Māori data sovereignty, access/benefit sharing and IP, and strengthen organisational capability through best-practice tools, mentoring and knowledge sharing.

 What you’ll bring

• Relevant tertiary qualification (science and/or aligned disciplines such as Māori resource management or Māori economic development).
• 3+ years’ experience working with Māori and Māori organisations, including managing multiple strategic relationships.
• The ability to work effectively with Māori and non-Māori in a science/community context; strong communication and facilitation skills.
• Good understanding of Vision Mātauranga and how to apply it in research programmes.
• A current full driver’s licence and the willingness to drive across Aotearoa.
• Project management and postgraduate/research experience; relevant earth/environment science knowledge; te reo Māori me ōna tikanga would be advantageous.
• Previous research experience or understanding in one or more of the science areas of Climate/Atmosphere, Freshwater, Oceans/Fisheries and Weather Hazards.
• Project management and postgraduate/research experience, relevant earth/environment science knowledge, and/or te reo Māori me ōna tikanga is desirable.

We know that talented people—especially those from under-represented or neurodiverse communities—sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement in a job description. If this role aligns with your strengths, lived experience, or interests, we’d love to hear from you and we’re committed to supporting your growth.

What we offer

• Varied, challenging and important work with talented colleagues in an organisation devoted to earth science.
• A high performing organisation with a focus on employee development and wellbeing
• Generous leave entitlements and employee benefits

 About Us

Earth Sciences NZ was established on 1 July 2025 through the merger of GNS and NIWA, with the upcoming acquisition of MetService further strengthening its capabilities. Bringing together multidisciplinary expertise and advanced technology, it will excel in earth, environmental, and natural resources science across six core missions: Weather and Climate Hazards, Geological Hazards, Land and Water, Atmosphere and Climate, Oceans and Fisheries, and Energy.

This new entity forms part of the most significant reform to New Zealand’s science and innovation system in more than three decades, designed to create a more dynamic, collaborative, and impactful science system. Following the acquisition of MetService, Earth Sciences NZ will comprise around 1,500 staff across 22 sites, with assets of approximately $400 million and annual revenues of $370 million, including substantial commercial streams. This provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of science for Aotearoa New Zealand and position the organisation as a globally recognised leader in its field. For more information, visit https://www.earthsciences.nz/ .

We’re expanding our Māori Partnerships capability and welcome applications from candidates who can help strengthen enduring, mutually beneficial partnerships with Māori (iwi, hapū, whānau, Māori organisations and entities) and ensure our science delivers meaningful outcomes for Aotearoa.

Apply now

We’re also looking for a talented National Manager - Māori Partnerships to join our expanding team. Please see our separate ad for that position.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience working with Māori, and how you will help deliver outcomes for Māori through science.

Applications close 17 April 2026. For a confidential kōrero about either role, please contact Marino Tahi – Chief Māori and Pacific Partnering Officer on mob: 027-618-3380 and/or email: marino.tahi