Join our passionate Whangārei-based team dedicated to restoring the largest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. KMR works collaboratively to support landowners, iwi and hapū, community groups and industry to take action to reduce sediment flow improve water quality into Kaipara Moana Harbour.  

Te āheinga / The opportunity

This 3-year fixed-term role offers the opportunity to play a key role in one of Aotearoa's most significant environmental restoration programmes. As Kaiārahi Whakaora Whenua Kōawa – Remediation Programme lead, you'll assist with providing operational leadership across the Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) programme, helping deliver initiatives that improve water quality, assist with managing highly erodible land and support the long-term health of the Kaipara Moana. 

Working closely with the Amo Rauora Kōawa - Catchment Remediation Manager, you will lead the delivery of key operational activities, including, reviewing sediment reduction plans and contracts, managing seasonal initiatives and preferred supplier accreditation, provide guidance to KMR Field Advisors on the delivery and quality assurance of sediment reduction plans and provide financial oversight for operational projects.  This role will hold key relationships with regional partners, councils, iwi, hapū and nursery providers across the Kaipara Moana Catchment.

You will work collaboratively across KMR to identify and deliver large-scale remediation opportunities, support co-funding and investment initiatives.  Through these relationships, you will help maximise the programme's impact and ensure environmental, commercial, and cultural objectives are effectively aligned.

He kōrero mōu / About you

To be successful in this role, you'll bring strong analytical, planning, and organisational skills, with the ability to understand stakeholder needs and navigate complex issues. You're a collaborative communicator who builds strong relationships and delivers practical solutions that achieve positive outcomes. In addition, you will bring:

• 5+ years’ experience in a role related to operational leadership, environmental management or commercial management.
• A relevant tertiary qualification (Bachelor level or higher) in a related field.
• Strong commercial acumen - and the ability to use that acumen to ensure streamlined, fit-for- purpose operational policy and processes.
• An excellent understanding of working in Te Ao Māori with iwi and hapū, and familiarity with marae protocol.
• Established relationships in Te Tai Tokerau and/or Tāmaki Makaurau, and with central government agencies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, Te Reo Māori would be an advantage.

Tono mai / Apply

KMR’s mahi does really make a difference to people and nature across the 600,000-hectare Kaipara Moana catchment in both Northland and Auckland.  If you are motivated to contribute to this holistic environmental restoration initiative, we want to hear from you. Want to have a kōrero with us first, or just need more information? Please email Lisette Rawson, Amo-Rauora Kōawa/Catchment Remediation Manager (lisetter@kmr.org.nz).  When you hit apply, you will be taken through to NRC's external careers site, and will be able to view the Job description here: JD: KMR Remediation Programme Lead

Applications close on 23 November 2026 

We review applications as they are received. Apply online now, as the close date may change. Please note that we do not accept email applications.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency/citizenship or valid NZ work visa.