Lead Adviser, Māori protocol, customs and cultural diplomacy
Wellington, NZ
Lead Adviser, Māori protocol, customs and cultural diplomacy
- Ensure Māori cultural protocols are understood, upheld & applied appropriately
- Support our foreign policy priorities overseas, advising on implementation of Māori cultural protocol & practices
- Provide expert advice on appropriate use of Māori cultural protocols & practice in our work
About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga
The Ministry’s Houtina Division supports the Ministry’s mission to build a safer, more prosperous, and more sustainable future for New Zealand. We work to support New Zealand’s foreign policy objectives, and the Ministry’s commitment to be an honourable Treaty partner through Māori engagement, building Māori knowledge (Mātauranga Māori) capability and the provision of policy advice.
This is an established leadership role within Houtina Division. You will be key in delivering our cultural diplomacy and representational efforts overseas. You will support high-level delegations in New Zealand and overseas, build capability, understanding and respect for Māori cultural protocols and practices across the Ministry, and ensure that these are applied appropriately, and with impact, in our work to advance New Zealand’s foreign policy objectives.
Among your key functions, you will:
- Provide advice and support to New Zealand official delegations to ensure that Māori cultural protocols are applied appropriately, and to enhance and support the Ministry’s impact offshore, and delivery of foreign and trade policy objectives.
- Work with our Protocol Division to support the Diplomatic Corps in it’s engagement with Iwi and Māori stakeholder groups.
- Work with Protocol and relevant MFAT divisions and Posts to support engagement between visiting official delegations and Iwi and Māori groups.
- Advise Ministry Divisions and Posts on Maori cultural protocols to ensure appropriate and impactful delivery of cultural diplomacy onshore, and through New Zealand’s diplomatic network (e.g. Waitangi Day, Matariki, commemorative events).
- Provide cultural support, as appropriate (e.g. whaikōrero/karanga) to Government Ministers and Ministry officials’ engagement with Iwi and Māori in New Zealand.
- Advise our diplomatic post network on relevant protocols and considerations in engagements overseas, including where there are existing relationships with Māori (e.g. in the Pacific).
- Build capability across the Ministry to ensure our staff are better able to understand and apply Maori cultural protocols, frameworks and principles appropriately, in support of our diplomatic relationships and foreign policy objectives.
The salary range for this role is $144,934 to $170,510 total remuneration, negotiable depending on skills and experience. The total remuneration is inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution.
Who are we looking for? Mā wai te mahi nei?
We’d like to hear from you if you are experienced with the following skills and experience:
- A strong understanding of Māori customs and protocols, Te Reo Maori, the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Crown-Māori relations.
- A proven ability to own, and deliver on, initiatives and programmes.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- A track record of working with Government agencies.
- Proven experience in leading events and visits.
Why MFAT? Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Aorere
We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options consistent with guidance from the Public Service Commission. Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.
MFAT is Rainbow Tick accredited. We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
About us - Mō mātou
Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous. By building connections with and influencing other countries and international institutions, we advance New Zealand’s interests and pursue New Zealand's values. We provide advice to the Government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world.
To Apply/Interested? Me pēhea te tuku tono
Apply today with your CV and cover letter.
To be considered for this position you must be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident and able to obtain and maintain a NZ Government National Security clearance at Confidential level.
Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Confidential security clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process:
http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool
Let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.
Applications close at 5:00pm Thursday 24 April 2025.
Please note: This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role. This is a ‘Corporate’ role (known here as a Specialist role) based in central Wellington, NZ.
While it is not usual for specialist staff to be ‘posted’ outside of NZ, from time to time a specialist role overseas becomes available at one of our embassies, high commissions, missions, or consulates. To be considered for one of these positions you would need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.
If you do have an interest in an MFAT foreign policy/diplomatic career, you would be welcome to apply for this either via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns.
