Kaitūhono - Māori Partnerships Specialist

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KAITŪHONO - Māori Partnerships Specialist

• • Permanent, Full-time
  • Location: Flexible – either Ruakura (Hamilton) or Tuhiraki (Lincoln)

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Mō te Pakihi | About the Company

We're building something new. On 1 July 2025, AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion came together to form the Bioeconomy Science Institute. Now, we are more than 2200 people working to support the growth and resilience of the bioeconomy in New Zealand and beyond.

Together, our world-class science can drive innovation and commercial outcomes in the bioeconomy, using research and technology to support enduring economic growth and resilience, a healthy environment, and positive social outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand.

This position sits under the current AgResearch group of the Bioeconomy Science Institute.

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Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role

We’re looking for a passionate and collaborative Kaitūhono (Māori Partnerships Specialist) to help us embed Te Ao Māori into everything we do through Te Ara Tika – AgResearch’s Māori Research and Partnerships framework.

This is an exciting opportunity to strengthen the bridge between science and Te Ao Māori. You’ll be working with Māori organisations, whānau, hapū, and iwi to co-develop and deliver research that supports their aspirations and creates meaningful impact.

Guided by our Māori Research & Partnerships Leader, you’ll collaborate closely with Kairangahau, researchers, and partners to grow Māori-led, Māori-centred, and Kaupapa Māori research. You’ll also play a key role in helping science teams integrate Te Ao Māori thinking into their work and engagement.

This role can be based in either the North or South Island, with a preference for Ruakura (Hamilton) or Tuhiraki (Lincoln)

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Ngā kawenga | What you’ll be doing

• Building and maintaining trusted relationships with Māori partners, whānau, hapū, and iwi.
• Collaborating with AgResearch scientists and partners to co-develop research proposals and deliver projects that support Māori aspirations and contribute to Aotearoa’s bioeconomy.
• Identifying new opportunities for collaboration between Māori organisations and AgResearch research teams
• Work with partners, researchers, and other kaitūhono to help develop the Bioeconomy Science Institutes' revenue pipeline.
• Helping science teams understand and apply Te Ao Māori perspectives in their research and engagement.
• Connecting Māori organisations with AgResearch’s research capabilities and networks

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Ōpūmanawa | About you

You’ll bring strong experience in building relationships and connecting people, with a genuine commitment to advancing Māori outcomes through research and innovation.

You will have:

• Proven experience in relationship management and building effective networks internally and externally.
• Knowledge of tikanga Māori and te reo Māori, enabling you to engage meaningfully and present confidently to Māori audiences.
• Experience working in the primary sector, or within a science or research-based environment.
• Understanding of Māori agribusiness, whenua Māori, and the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities.
• Familiarity with Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations as they relate to natural resources and research partnerships.
• A good grasp of New Zealand’s primary sector innovation landscape and how research can support Māori and industry development.

Bring your knowledge of Te Ao Māori, your passion for Māori agribusiness and whenua Māori, and your ability to connect people and ideas – and help shape the future of science for Aotearoa.

To view the full position description for this role, please click here or visit our careers page

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Tono Mai | Apply Now!

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

For an informal kōrero, please contact Sue Zydenbos (Māori Research and Partnerships Leader) at sue.zydenbos@agresearch.co.nz, or reach out to Pania Wharewera at pania.wharewera@agresearch.co.nz for more information.

Apply today with your CV and cover letter, outlining why this role inspires you and how your skills and experience align.

Applications close: 5pm, Monday 10 November 2025