• Kick-start your career in conservation! gain hands-on experience, paid training, and real pathways into future mahi.
• Experience unique landscapes across Aotearoa.
• Starting salary for this position is $60,703

 

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

 

Mō te tūranga | About the role

One-year, training opportunity within Te Papa Atawhai, Department of Conservation based in:

• Kerikeri/Pēwhairangi/Bay of Islands
• Napier
• Gisborne
• May consider other locations within the region for the right candidate.

 

Hēteri Ā Nuku is a training and development programme that aims to prepare our next generation of Māori Leaders in environmental and conservation work, both in the field and in the corporate space. Our mission is to nurture and inspire future Kaitiaki by providing a holistic and immersive learning experience that is underpinned by tikanga Māori.

 

We encourage those who are passionate about te taiao and keen to become kaitiaki of their whenua, to apply for the roles.

 

Our unique one-year paid work-based programme provides academic learning, educational qualifications, and personal development opportunities to upskill and support Kaitiaki into sustainable employment or further tertiary education. The programme will include learning about corporate components of te taiao (the natural world) as well as practical field skills across the spectrum of conservation and environmental work.

 

Some of the learning topics you can expect will be:

• Whare tapa whā
• Te Ao Māori
• Field Operations
• Work opportunities and experiences
• Specialised training
• Corporate components
• Leadership
• Work readiness

 

Kaitiaki will collectively come together to participate in training and development opportunities and wānanga.

 

Click here for the Role Description

 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

This programme is designed to support individuals in the early stages of their career to grow their leadership capability within te taiao. If you’re motivated, eager to learn, and committed to making a positive impact in te taiao, we encourage you to apply.

 

If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Strong values and has or is developing a connection to te ao Māori
• Whanaungatanga – an ability to foster and develop relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, the public and our Te Tiriti partners
• Kaitiakitanga – a keen interest to be a Kaitiaki of Te Ao Tūroa
• Confident in using Microsoft Suite
• Desire for continuous learning
• Strong work ethic, drive, and commitment to achieve personally through your mahi
• Able to effectively work independently and in a team environment
• Appropriate level of fitness to work in the backcountry
• Flexibility to work outside normal office hours
• Flexibility to work away from home for up to 10 working days
• Full New Zealand Driver’s Licence or ability to get it before the programme starts
• Ability to adapt to change

 

We are looking for someone who feels inspired, day in day out and connected to taiao.

 

Mō te tīma | About the team

We’re a whānau‑centred team that values manaakitanga, kotahitanga, and whakawhānaungatanga. We support each other, celebrate our strengths, and work together with genuine care. We’re committed to creating a space where people feel valued, respected, and connected.

 

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.  We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.  You can learn more about what we offer here.

 

You’ll earn while you learn, gain recognised qualifications without student fees, and build skills that open doors across DOC and the wider environmental sector.

Join a supportive cohort of kaitiaki, travel to different locations, and experience unique fieldwork and corporate environments.

 

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills, experience, and alignment to our kaupapa.

 

If you’re new to conservation, tell us what motivates you and why you want to grow your skills in te ao Māori and te taiao.

 

Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

 

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

 

Te tukanga kōwhiri – Our recruitment process

To help you prepare, our recruitment process includes three key stages:

 

1. Assessment Centre (1–2 days)
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a practical and interactive assessment centre held in either Ahuriri on the 20th May or Te Taitokerau on the 27th May 2026 with reasonable travel expenses covered.

 

2. Online Interview
Applicants who progress from the assessment centre will be invited to an online interview with the panel.

 

3. Selection
Final decisions are made after reference checks. Successful applicants will be contacted directly.

 

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 12 April 2026

 

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Adrienne Harris, Team Lead Corporate at adharris@doc.govt.nz