Kāi Tahu Rangers

Type: Fixed term, Full-time

Location: Christchurch

Description

Fixed Term – 3 years
SEMP Network Araiteuru / South East Coastal area

Kia hiwa rā!

The Office of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu works on behalf of the iwi to manage the collective assets of Ngāi Tahu whānui and to uphold our cultural, social and environmental aspirations. The South East Marine Protection Programme (SEMP) represents a groundbreaking co‑management partnership between Kāi Tahu and the Crown, enabling the delivery of a shared vision for the long‑term protection and restoration of the southeast coastline.

We are looking for six Kāi Tahu Rangers who will be central to the daily delivery of this programme, working closely with Papatipu Rūnaka, Kaitiakitaka Groups and Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) to support kaitiaki-led monitoring, biosecurity response, restoration, education and outreach across a network of Customary Protected Areas (mātaitai and taiāpure) and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Reporting to the Lead Kāi Tahu Ranger, you’ll play a hands‑on role turning operational plans into practical action across the moana and coastline, helping uphold cultural integrity while supporting science-based conservation approaches.

Day-to-day, you will undertake monitoring, Undaria control and other biosecurity activities, reseeding and restoration activities, and support mātauraka‑based fieldwork including wānaka.. Engaging schools, communities, fishery groups and visitors will also be a key part of your mahi as you help grow understanding of the SEMP network, encourage voluntary compliance, and inspire future generations of Kāi Tahu marine kaitiaki. You will also work collaboratively with DOC Rangers, Fishery Officers, researchers, councils and local marine users to uphold the protection network.

This role requires a balance of physical capability, cultural confidence and strong relationship skills. You’ll operate safely in dynamic marine environments, maintain accurate records, communicate clearly, and uphold tikaka and mātauraka in all interactions. As part of a unified network team, you will contribute to a values-aligned, supportive team culture built on whānaukataka.

To be successful in this role you will be skilled in:

Fieldwork and operations:

• Experience in marine or environmental fieldwork, species monitoring, habitat assessment or similar (highly desirable)
• Strong physical fitness and ability to work safely in challenging marine conditions

Cultural capability:

• Understanding of tikaka Kāi Tahu and mātauraka, or a strong desire to develop this (highly desirable)
• Ability to work confidently in marae settings and rūnaka-led processes

Community engagement:

• Experience engaging with communities, schools or stakeholder groups (desirable)
• A naturally engaging communication style with the ability to build rapport

Technical confidence:

• Attention to detail in monitoring, data collection and record‑keeping
• Ability to work independently, remotely and as part of a coordinated field team

You will also bring:

• Full Driver’s Licence (essential)
• First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Boatmaster/Skipper qualification (advantageous or willingness to obtain)
• SCUBA certification (desirable or willingness to obtain)
• Relevant tertiary study such as marine science or environmental management (desirable)
• Openness to developing proficiency in te reo Māori, tikaka and Kāi Tahu mātauraka
• A strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and co‑management principles

Location & working style

This role’s mahi spans the SEMP Network Araiteuru / South East Coastal area (with some additional coastal locations to be confirmed). Regular travel will be required across the takiwā, along with variable working hours to accommodate tides, weather, seasonal demands, and marae‑based hui. Fieldwork will take place in remote marine environments, sometimes in challenging conditions. Rangers will operate as a unified network team rather than isolated local positions.

How to apply

To apply please follow the link below and submit your application online.
For confidential enquiries, please contact Nigel Scott at [email protected].