Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role
We are seeking a strategic and experienced professional to lead and oversee Toitu Te Whenua's communications and stakeholder engagement activity. This exciting and high-impact role will lead the newly established Public Affairs team within the Public Affairs and Customer Experience business unit.
The Public Affairs team will be responsible for delivering best practice communications and engagement advice and support to Toitu Te Whenua's diverse business groups. This includes external and internal communications, issues management, and stakeholder engagement.
Kaiārahi / Leader - Public Affairs will manage and set the overarching direction and work programme for the team, and provide strategic advice to the Chief Executive, Ministers' offices, and Kaihautū.
Te wāhi ki a koe - What you'll bring
You are a strategic leader with demonstrated expertise in government processes, communications, and stakeholder engagement. You excel in complex environments, adeptly balancing regulatory compliance with operational excellence. Your passion lies in fostering a high-performance culture and delivering outstanding communications that align with strategic goals.
He pūkenga tou - Skills and experience
- Strong leadership capability and demonstrated ability to empower and develop people, foster collaboration, and contribute to a high-performing culture.
- Proven ability to navigate complex and diverse work and sector relationships, ensuring high standards in external and internal communications and stakeholder relationships.
- Exceptional communication skills and expertise, with the ability to simplify complex information and champion the use of plain language and accessible communications.
- Proven successful experience in overseeing the media function and high-profile communications, aligned with strategic goals.
- Experienced in working closely with senior leaders and responding to changes in a dynamic operating environment.
- Strong experience and demonstrated capability to operate strategically while leading a team to deliver on day-to-day and reactive outputs as required.
- A broad understanding of the full range of channels our customers and stakeholders use, and ability to work in a multi-disciplinary way with the other leaders across the group.
- Experience in ministerial and government engagement with a strong understanding of the machinery of government and ministerial processes.
The annual full-time salary range for this role is $160,000 -$190,000 depending on skills and experience.
Ngā mea e tukuna ana e tātau – What we offer our employees
- Interesting work which impacts Aotearoa as we care for whenua, moana and arawai.
- Eye & ear care reimbursements
- Annual Flu Vaccinations
- Reduced Health Insurance Premiums
- Diverse groups and networks
- If eligible for paid parental leave, you will be entitled to a top up payment for the first 18 weeks of the 26 weeks.
- A minimum of four weeks and three days annual leave
Te Tākinatanga - Our Story
Toitū Te Whenua plays a vital role in understanding, developing, and caring for New Zealand's whenua, moana and arawai (land, sea and waterways). Whether you're developing our products and services to support our customers, managing the Crown estate, engaging with our iwi partners, or helping us be an effective regulator, your contribution can make a difference. Our mahi helps New Zealanders have confidence that the development of our land, communities and country is being planned from an informed and expert position that balances environmental, social, cultural, and economic considerations, now and for future generations.
Our Kia Toipoto Intentions - Public Service Gender, Māori, Pacific and Ethnic Pay Gap Action Plan
Toitū Te Whenua is a diverse team of individuals with different experience and perspectives. This drives our culture and high performance. We know that people from underrepresented groups and women in particular don't apply for roles if they're not a 100% match, but we're not looking for perfection, we're looking for potential. As an inclusive and supportive employer, we value difference and want to encourage anyone interested to apply, regardless of whether you tick all the boxes or not. As an organisation we embrace diversity, encourage work life balance and have a flexible approach to the way we work which means you will quickly feel connected and valued.
Tono mai - How to Apply
If you're eyeing up this role and believe you've got what it takes, please apply, or get in touch with the team.
To apply, please click “Apply Online.” You'll be taken through to our Toitū Te Whenua Careers Centre where you'll be able to review further information about the responsibilities and accountabilities of this role in the Position Description. You'll be able to complete your online application form and upload a copy of your CV/Cover Letter.
Please note, while applications close on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, we may be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.
For tracking and evaluation purposes, all applications must be submitted via our on-line process. You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be eligible for this position.
You may notice that the Position Description title for this role ‘Kaiarahi/Leader – Level Rua') doesn't match the advertised title. At Toitū Te Whenua we design our roles around shared capabilities (rather than focusing on tasks). This means our position descriptions are broad, one position description can cover many roles, this is known as Broad Based Role (BBR). Using BBR allows us to be responsive to our customers and to strengthen the connections across our organisation. It also gives us the flexibility to provide wider opportunities to our people, to further their careers.
If you have any questions about this role or working at Toitū Te Whenua, please email opportunities@linz.govt.nz and our People Services Team will be in touch with you.