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New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand
Full Time
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. This work builds on and expands pest management that has been undertaken by Ngāti Tama for the past decade to protect the Mauri of this significant coastal forest.
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. A key step in the transition from the Alliance to Ngāti Tama will be the appointment of a ‘Shadow’ Pest Management Project Manager who will work alongside the Alliance PMA Manager during the transition phase to Ngāti Tama.
Overview
The appointed Pest Management Project Manager will be responsible for managing the delivery of the Pest Management Programme across the full 3650 ha Pest Management Area (PMA) and achievement of the pest density targets as required by the resource consent conditions for the Mt Messenger Bypass project.
Requirements
Our Ideal Candidate
To ensure your success in this role, you will need to demonstrate that you have the skills, experience, and attributes outlined below.
- Strong business, financial, contract management and people management skills and experience.
- Experience and knowledge of pest management practices and operations on a medium to large scale.
- A demonstrated understanding of Mātauranga-ā-Ngāti Tama in relation to pest management.
- Proven experience in effectively working with and advocating on behalf of iwi.
- Experience with the development and management of contracts and contractors.
- Strong leadership abilities, well-developed emotional intelligence, and excellent relationship-building skills.
- Some knowledge of Te reo Māori is desirable, and whakapapa to Ngāti Tama would be considered an advantage as it strengthens iwi leadership and cultural integrity in this programme.
What we can offer you
This is a full-time position, based in North Taranaki and is expected to consist of no less than 95% office-based work. This role offers a competitive salary package, including a vehicle.
Who we are
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).
Email Tracey Soffe at hello@traceconsulting.co.nz to request a copy of the position description
