Geo-Spatial Mapping & Policy Analyst Researcher,
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Tiaki Taonga Trust - Wai 262 Flora and Fauna

Geo-Spatial Mapping & Policy Analyst Researcher

  • Posted Today
  • Remote
  • Volunteer
Estimated Time Required

16 Hours /wk

Job Description

Accountable To: Trust Office and Human Resource Management

Location: Remote – Online (Volunteer)

Days and Hours: 16 hours/ week


Purpose of the Role


The Geo-Spatial Mapping & Policy Analyst Researcher provides expert analysis, data modelling, and spatial intelligence to support kaupapa Māori, land management, environmental protection, and Indigenous rights. The role combines advanced GIS mapping technologies with in-depth policy research and analysis, producing evidence-based recommendations for governance, resource planning, and legal submissions.


This role ensures that spatial data and policy analysis uphold tikanga Māori, protect Māori land and taonga, and inform decisions in alignment with He Whakaputanga 1835, Te Tiriti o Waitangi 1840, and Tino Rangatiratanga.


Key Responsibilities


Geo-Spatial Mapping & Data Analysis


  • Develop, maintain, and manage spatial databases (land, water, flora, fauna, cultural heritage sites).
  • Analyse historical and contemporary maps, including Māori land blocks, whenua rāhui, wāhi tapu, and reclaimed lands.
  • Produce geospatial visualisations, maps, and dashboards for governance and public reporting.
  • Integrate data from Crown records, LINZ, Māori Land Court, and local councils.
  • Ensure mapping respects Māori data sovereignty (Te Mana Raraunga principles).


Policy Research & Analysis


  • Analyse laws, policies, and legislation impacting Māori land, resources, and intellectual property.
  • Prepare policy briefs, submissions, and reports for Trustees, Māori Land Court, Waitangi Tribunal, and government consultations.
  • Provide comparative research of Māori rights under domestic and international frameworks (UNDRIP, Law of Nations, ILO, Paris Agreement, etc.).
  • Support legal teams in drafting evidence for claims and litigation (e.g., Wai 262).


Environmental & Resource Management


  • Provide spatial and policy analysis on environmental impacts, climate change, biodiversity, and conservation.
  • Map freshwater waterways, harbours, shellfish beds, and native flora/fauna distributions.
  • Support hapū and iwi in resource management planning under RMA reforms and conservation law.
  • Provide technical evidence for environmental disputes, consents, and impact assessments.


Hapū & Iwi Engagement


  • Conduct wānanga, workshops, and consultations with whānau, hapū, and iwi on land and resource issues.
  • Collect and validate mātauranga Māori and oral histories to incorporate into maps and policy reports.
  • Support intergenerational transfer of geospatial knowledge and research skills.
  • Ensure research outputs reflect tikanga and uphold mana motuhake.


Strategic Support for Governance & Legal Processes


  • Prepare geospatial and policy annexes for legal submissions to the Māori Land Court, Waitangi Tribunal, and international courts.
  • Provide Trustees with risk assessments and evidence-based recommendations.
  • Contribute to strategic planning, capacity building, and funding applications.
  • Align outputs with tino rangatiratanga and the long-term aspirations of hapū and iwi.


Key Relationships


  • Internal: Trust Chairperson /CEO and Policy Research Analyst


Skills & Experience


Essential


  • Advanced qualification in Geography, GIS, Spatial Science, Policy Analysis, or related discipline.
  • 5+ years’ experience in geospatial mapping and/or policy analysis.
  • Proven expertise in GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, MapInfo, or equivalent).
  • Strong knowledge of Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, RMA, conservation law, and environmental policy.
  • Demonstrated experience with Māori land and cultural mapping.
  • Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
  • Understanding of tikanga Māori, He Whakaputanga, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and Tino Rangatiratanga.


Desirable


  • Experience with Wai 262 and Indigenous IP/data sovereignty.
  • Familiarity with blockchain, AI, and advanced data modelling tools.
  • Experience presenting evidence in legal or tribunal settings.
  • Bilingual ability (Te Reo Māori and English).
  • Experience engaging directly with hapū and iwi on land or environmental issues.


Commitment


  • Uphold tikanga Māori (Maori customs and values) and intergenerational responsibilities.
  • Ensure all outputs strengthen Māori sovereignty and environmental stewardship.


Strategic Outcomes of the Role


  • Deliver robust geospatial and policy evidence for legal, governance, and environmental decision-making.
  • Strengthen Māori data sovereignty and control of spatial information.
  • Provide evidence-based strategies for Māori land and resource management.
  • Support tino rangatiratanga by ensuring spatial and policy intelligence is embedded in all kaupapa.


Skills and Attributes


  • Strong leadership and project management capabilities.
  • Excellent analytical, research, and report-writing skills.
  • Ability to work cross-culturally with iwi, hapū, and global stakeholders.
  • High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills, both oral and written.
  • Competence in GIS mapping, data analysis, and environmental monitoring tools.
  • Commitment to environmental ethics, sustainability, and cultural preservation.


Cultural Understanding


The Environment and Conservation Specialist must actively uphold Tikanga Māori (customs, ethics, and values) and Kaupapa Māori (collective principles) in every aspect of environmental and conservation practice. This role ensures that Māori ecological knowledge (mātauranga Māori) is recognised as a legitimate and vital part of scientific, environmental, and climate-related dialogue both in Aotearoa and globally.


Reporting and Accountability


Reports directly to the Trust Office and Human Resource Management. Responsible for leading and coordinating all conservation and environmental policy work of the Trust, ensuring that both local and international engagements uphold the principles of the Wai 262 flora and fauna claim and Te Ao Māori perspectives on environmental protection.


Equal Employment Opportunity


Tiaki Taonga Trust Wai 262 is an equal opportunity organisation. All qualified persons, regardless of ethnic origin, gender, age, or belief, who meet the citizenship and residency requirements are encouraged to apply.


Note: All applicants must reside in New Zealand.


How to Apply


Please submit your updated CV, cover letter, contact details of two referees (one professional and one personal), and a copy of your New Zealand visa (if applicable) to the designated application email: trusthumanresource@tiakitaongatrust.co.nz

Desired Hard Skills

  • Leadership
  • Data Analysis
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • GIS Mapping
  • Policy Research
  • Spatial Modelling

Desired Soft Skills

  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Integrity

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