Vacancy: Tumuaki | Chief Executive
Share the outdoors with future generations
Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission is looking for a talented chief executive to lead its work in protecting and enhancing public access to Aotearoa New Zealand’s whenua, rivers, coasts, and open spaces.
Established under the Walking Access Act 2008, Herenga ā Nuku is a Crown entity with a statutory mandate to provide free, certain, and enduring access to the outdoors for all New Zealanders. We are seeking an experienced and values-driven leader to guide the organisation into its next chapter.
As chief executive, you will:
- Develop and implement long-term strategy and annual operating plans aligned with our legislative purpose and public service values,
- Lead and support a talented team of approximately 17 staff and 12 regional field advisors,
- Oversee an annual budget of around $4 million, and
- Report to a ministerially appointed board.
You will represent the organisation in public forums and play a key role in building and maintaining relationships with tangata whenua, communities, landholders, local and central government, and other stakeholders.
Success in this role will require excellent communication and leadership skills, a commitment to te ao Māori and public sector integrity.
We are looking for a passionate advocate for public access to the outdoors – someone who can lead a small but influential organisation with purpose, professionalism, and vision.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply through Seek. All applications will be acknowledged electronically.
Apply through Seek
For further information, contact Sandy Eaton at Beyond Recruitment, sandy.eaton@beyond.co.nz, quoting job number 130560.
Applications close on Friday 22 August 2025 - we will be assessing applications as they come in.
Only people with the right to work in New Zealand may apply for this position. For advice on obtaining a New Zealand work or residence visa visit www.immigration.govt.nz