Adviser, Indigenous Forestry

Job description

Indigenous Forestry Adviser
Role type: Permanent, full-time
Location: Rotorua
Salary Band & range: General Salary Range F:$76,463 to $89,215

About the Role – Kōrero mō te Tūranga
We are seeking an Indigenous Forestry Adviser to join our Forestry Operations team in Rotorua.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the sustainable management of Aotearoa's indigenous forests and support the implementation of the Forests Act 1949.
You'll work directly with landowners, iwi, and stakeholders to provide technical forestry advice, ensure compliance with the Forests Act, and support the development of indigenous forest management opportunities.

As a warranted Forestry Officer, you'll play a key role in field-based compliance and enforcement and collaborate with MPI's Compliance and Prosecution teams where required.
This role also involves cross-agency coordination and policy development at a more senior level.
Key responsibilities include:
* Implementing the Forests Act 1949 provisions relating to indigenous forest management
* Conducting field-based auditing, compliance and enforcement as a warranted Forestry Officer
* Providing technical forestry advice to landowners and stakeholders to support sustainable forest management
* Supporting policy development and operational input into broader land management initiatives
* Building and maintaining relationships with iwi, Māori organisations, government agencies, and other stakeholders
* Contributing to cross-agency projects and providing subject matter expertise
* Maintaining a high level of physical fitness to undertake fieldwork in challenging terrain

About You – Mōu
You are passionate about indigenous forestry and committed to protecting and enhancing Aotearoa's native forest resources.

You bring strong technical knowledge, excellent relationship management skills, and a collaborative approach to working with a diverse range of stakeholders.
You will bring:
* A tertiary qualification in forestry, ecology, plant biology, environmental science or equivalent experience
* Experience working in field-based roles, including in remote and rugged terrain
* Knowledge of forestry regulation and compliance, and the ability to apply it in practical settings
* Strong communication and problem-solving skills
* Experience engaging with Māori organisations and tangata whenua
You must have a current full New Zealand driver licence (not temporary, learner, or restricted) or equivalent full foreign drivers' licence, and any endorsements required for the type of driving you'll be doing
Please note this role requires frequent travel, including some overnight trips.

About the Team – Mō tō mātou Rōpū
This role sits within Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, part of the Forestry Operations Directorate.

Our team is focused on delivering regulatory and operational functions that support sustainable forest management and indigenous forestry development across Aotearoa.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua
We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources.

Benefits of working at MPI – Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua
* Additional MPI leave days
* Annual wellness payment
* Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to corrective lenses/frames

Low level Security Clearance
* most preferably a New Zealand citizen, who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last five (5) years, OR
* is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.
* click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

Drug and Alcohol Screening - Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro
Please note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred candidates(s) for the position will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol pre-employment screening test.

Further information on this process can be found on our careers site, here.

Are you ready to make a difference?

– Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?
We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.
In your cover letter, tell us about your values, motivations, and the strengths and perspectives you bring to this role.

To view the position description and/or apply online, click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site.

Applications close at 11:59pm Sunday 2 November 2025.

If you have any questions about the role, please email Guy.Kershaw@mpi.govt.nz

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