Principal Māori Advisor - Ag Emissions Centre

.

Mō te Pakihi | About Ag Emissions Centre

The Ag Emissions Centre plays a critical role in New Zealand’s efforts to reduce emissions through shaping, funding and managing a research and development portfolio, building capability and infrastructure, and partnering with others nationally and internationally to deliver on our ambition and outcomes.

Reducing agricultural emissions is a critical contribution towards mitigating the impacts of climate change, meeting national and international emissions targets, and ensuring our primary industries thrive and continue to play their vital role in the New Zealand economy. The Ag Emissions Centre aims to discover, develop, and make available practical and cost-effective technologies and practices for New Zealand farmers and growers to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. The Ag Emissions Centre is a key part of the Government’s approach to reducing agricultural emissions. In delivering to our vision and objectives we work with research organisations, government, Māori, the agri-industry, and farmers. 

The Ag Emissions Centre is hosted by the AgResearch Group - New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Ltd and our employees are employed by the AgResearch Group - New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Ltd, who is dedicated to making a difference to the future of New Zealand by delivering world-leading research and through complex problem solving across diverse agricultural areas.

We operate independently within our host with dedicated funding and Governance, and work with a wide range of research and development providers to mitigate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Our primary location is the AgResearch Group - New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Ltd Grasslands Campus in Palmerston North.

.

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role

Are you passionate about advancing Māori research priorities and ensuring meaningful engagement with te ao Māori? Ag Emissions is seeking a Principal Māori Advisor to lead our external engagement with Māori research partners and guide investment decisions aligned with our Māori Research Strategy. This is a permanent fulltime position, and located in Hamilton or Palmerston North.

As the Principal Māori Advisor, you will:

• Lead and manage relationships with Māori research partners, hapū, iwi, and Māori landowning entities.
• Lead and manage Pokapu Waro (Māori Research Programme team) work programme and programme planning activities
• Provide strategic advice on research investment directions and evaluate their effectiveness against the Centre’s Māori Research Strategy.
• Work closely with Ag Emissions’ Toihau rōpū, who guide our Māori research programme.
• Support the organisation in defining and delivering on its Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.
• Ensure the Centre’s science programme is relevant and responsive to the aspirations and needs of Māori communities.

.

Ōpūmanawa | About you

You will have:

• Advanced knowledge and experience in te ao Māori, including strong relationships with Māori entities, hapū, and iwi.
• Deep understanding and practical application of tikanga Māori, Kaupapa Māori research models, and mātauranga Māori methodologies.
• Proven work programme planning and programme management capabilities
• Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with a wide range of Māori stakeholders.
• A collaborative and strategic mindset, with the ability to influence and lead across diverse teams and contexts.

.

 Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The Bioeconomy Science Institute AgResearch Group provide a diverse range of benefits including extensive flexible working options that help employees balance their own lifestyle and needs with their work commitments. You can view the full list here: http://www.agresearchcareers.co.nz/working-here/our-benefits/.  

.

Tono Mai | Apply Now!

This role will suit a passionate, talented, and collaborative person who is motivated to drive their career forward within this vital New Zealand organisation. If this sounds like you, apply today using the link, including a cover letter detailing why you feel you would be suitable for this position.

For further information contact Chris Koroheke at chris.koroheke@ag-emissions.nz.

To view the full position description for this role, please click here.

Applications close:  Monday, 13 October 2025.

.