Job Description

Help Shape Aotearoa's Future

Graduate & Analyst Opportunities at Te Tari Whakatau – The Office of Treaty Settlements and Takutai Moana

This is a pivotal moment in our nation's journey.

At Te Tari Whakatau (formerly the Office for Māori Crown Relations – Te Arawhiti), we're offering exciting opportunities for graduates and early-career professionals to help shape Aotearoa's future by honouring its past.  Our mahi is about more than policy — it's about partnership, restoration, and enduring change.

We're focused on completing historical Treaty settlements and supporting Takutai Moana determinations — work that's meaningful, challenging, and deeply rewarding. As an analyst, you'll be part of small, collaborative teams where your ideas are valued and your contributions matter — every day contributing to the restoration, strengthening, and evolution of the Māori Crown relationship.

What's in it for you?

• Be part of a kaupapa that truly matters
• Hands-on experience in policy, legal and historical research
• Grow your skills in areas that are in high demand across the public sector
• Daily engagement with tikanga and te reo Māori through our Whāinga Amorangi plan
• Support to grow or deepen your understanding of te ao Māori and the Māori Crown relationship
• A chance to work on projects that deliver real-world outcomes for iwi and hapū
• Mentorship, learning opportunities, and a clear pathway for career development

This is more than a job — it's a chance to be part of a kaupapa that restores, sustains, and builds enduring relationships. If you're curious, collaborative, and committed to making a difference, we'd love to hear from you

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

We're looking for passionate, thoughtful individuals to join our whānau as Analysts (Level 1 and Level 2). This is your chance to be part of a once-in-a-generation effort: resolving historical Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi grievances and helping to build a stronger Māori Crown relationship for the future.

As an Analyst, you'll support the negotiation of fair, enduring Treaty settlements. You'll be part of a team that works directly with iwi Māori and the Crown — navigating complex issues, building trust, and delivering outcomes that matter.

In this role, you will:

• Support iwi and hapū to enter negotiations with the Crown
• Participate in negotiations that lead to durable Treaty settlements
• Help implement Deeds of Settlement and ensure commitments are honoured
• Develop policy advice that informs decision-making at the highest levels
• Prepare briefings for the Minister, Cabinet, and Select Committees
• Represent Te Tari Whakatau in external hui and inter-agency engagements

Whether you're just starting out or stepping into your next challenge, this is a unique opportunity to grow your skills, deepen your understanding of te ao Māori, and contribute to a legacy of reconciliation and partnership.

About You | What We're Looking For

You're someone who brings heart, insight, and drive to everything you do. Whether you're a recent graduate or early in your career, you're ready to contribute to a kaupapa that matters — and grow in a space that values both professional development and cultural understanding.

To thrive in these roles, you'll:

• Bring knowledge and awareness of te ao Māori, te reo Māori me ōnā tikanga, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi, along with the issues facing groups seeking to engage with the Crown
• Be highly motivated, proactive, and take ownership of your mahi
• Relate well to a wide range of people — from iwi and hapū to government officials and colleagues across the motu
• Communicate clearly and confidently, both in writing and in hui
• Understand how government works — or be eager to learn about the machinery behind it
• Hold a relevant tertiary qualification or have equivalent experience that shows your readiness to step into this space

We're not looking for perfection — we're looking for people with potential, passion, and a commitment to making a difference. If that sounds like you, nau mai, haere mai!

Mō mātou/About us

Te Tari Whakatau is an independent departmental agency hosted by the Ministry of Justice - Te Tāhū o te Ture. Our work involves resolving historical Treaty of Waitangi claims and supporting the recognition of Māori customary rights and interests in Takutai Moana.

Joining Te Tari Whakatau means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions. He kaimahi, he whānau.

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing. These include:

• 4.4 weeks holiday leave
• an online professional development portal
• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks.

Te Tari Whakatau has an employee value proposition, this is defined as a statement of values, rewards, recognition, support and culture you can expect when joining Te Tari Whakatau.

See our full range of benefits here.

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The appointing salary for Analyst, Level 1 role will be between $66,066 and $84,567 based on skills and experience.

The appointing salary for Analyst, Level 2 role will be between $84,562 and $108,862 based on skills and experience.

Tono mai/Ready to Make Your Mark

If you're looking for a role where your mahi matters — where you'll grow, be challenged, and contribute to something bigger than yourself — we'd love to hear from you.

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on 16 November; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz

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