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New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand
Applications close:
18 Sep 2025
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Tama in partnership with the NZ Transport Agency, is working together on the project that will deliver a new section of SH3 between Uruti and Ahititi to the north of New Plymouth in Taranaki, located entirely within the rōhe of Ngāti Tama. The partnership entity is known as the Mt Messenger Alliance (the Alliance). This new section of SH3 will bypass the existing approximately 7.4km steep, narrow and winding section of highway at Mt Messenger. The name ‘Te Ara o Te Ata’ was gifted to the NZ Transport Agency by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Tama to seal their partnership agreement.
As a major part of the environmental mitigation associated with the construction of the road, the NZ Transport Agency are required to undertake intensive pest management in perpetuity over 3650 ha of native forest adjacent to the new road. Delivery of the pest management operations has been undertaken by the Alliance since 2022. A Transition Plan has been developed that proposes that the delivery of pest management operations will transition from the Alliance to Ngāti Tama by 2027.
The purppose
To contribute to enabling the conditions for our teams to thrive whilst performing work successfully, without harm to people or the communities and environments in which we work.
This will be achieved by ensuring a consistent approach to Safety is maintained, through effective implementation, monitoring and review of Safety activities to continuously improve knowledge management and performance, whilst working collaboratively with all business partners, customers and stakeholders.
Contributing to the innovation strategies and embedding safety culture and initiatives into all operational functions, and supporting the changing needs of the PMA management operations.
Overview
Key Responsibilities
This role is responsible for supporting operational teams with all aspects of Safety, in the assigned geographical area of responsibility, in addition to ensuring compliance with The Alliance Health & Safety Management Plan (HSMP), local capability and specific management systems documents.
Requirements
To ensure your success in this role, we are interested in hearing from candidates who have the skills, experience, and attributes outlined below.
- A Diploma (or working towards) in H&S, with audit and/or ICAM investigation training.
- At least 2 years’ experience as an HSE practitioner in a high-risk industry (infrastructure, construction, forestry, or similar).
- Working knowledge of statutory provisions and critical risk frameworks.
- Practical experience with audits, corrective actions, risk assessments, injury management and safety reporting systems.
- The ability to positively influence safety culture, mentor operational teams, and build strong relationships with stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills, problem-solving ability, and confidence to take action when safety is at risk.
- Ngāti Tama whakapapa is considered an advantage, as it strengthens iwi leadership, cultural integrity, and connection to whenua in this programme.
What we can offer you
This role may require working reasonable additional overtime and night shifts to align with operational requirements and to meet the needs of the operations. This is a full-time permanent position, based in North Taranaki, with no less than 60% of the role spent in the field.
Who we are
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Tama in partnership with the NZ Transport Agency. The partnership entity is known as the Mt Messenger Alliance (the Alliance).
Email Tracey Soffe at hello@traceconsulting.co.nz to request a copy of the position description.
