Manager, Historians

Office of Treaty Settlements and Takutai Moana | Te Tari Whakatau Permanent full-time role, Wellington based

Lead a team at the heart of Treaty settlements
Support settlements to have robust historical foundations
Make a real impact on New Zealand's future

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

We are seeking a talented leader for our Historians team—an influential group of specialists who play a critical role in the progress and completion of Treaty settlements.

The role sits at the intersection of the Treaty of Waitangi, people leadership, history, relationships and public service – making it highly meaningful work, with inter-generational importance.

The team works closely with our negotiation teams and with iwi negotiators on the historical underpinnings of Treaty settlements. The team's work is central to the settlement process, including to support the Crown's actions to be grounded in historical accuracy and context.

The team works across multiple settlements at any time, requiring a leader with excellent service orientation and skills in work programme management. The successful candidate is also likely to have:

deep knowledge of New Zealand history and Treaty of Waitangi issues
experience as a historian or strong affinity with history and the fundamentals of robust research
experience working with Māori groups and strong cultural competence
a positive and collaborative approach to supporting a team and working side-by-side with other teams
great communication skills, including to help simplify and present complex issues for decision-making.

As part of our wider people leaders' group, the role also requires strong collective leadership, with opportunities to add value across organisational work.

Mō mātou/About us

Te Tari Whakatau is a departmental agency hosted by the Ministry of Justice. Our organisational whakapapa traces back through Te Arawhiti – The Office for Māori Crown Relations (2019-2025), the Office of Treaty Settlements (1995-2019) and to the Treaty of Waitangi Policy Unit formed in 1989. We have a central role in restoring and enhancing Māori Crown relationships. Focused on reconciliation, settlement and recognition, our work makes a significant contribution to New Zealand's future.

Our values guide everything we do: Mahi Tahi – Working together; Pono ki te kaupapa – In good faith; and Atawhaitia – With humility and authenticity. You will join an agency deeply committed to service, fairness, and shaping a better future for Aotearoa.

Tono mai/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 24 March 2026. We will also be reviewing CVs as they come in and may invite candidates to interview before the close date.

The appointing salary for this role will be between $130,129 and $167,062 based on skills and experience, with 4.4 weeks annual leave.

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

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Manager, Historians - Wellington