About The Bioeconomy Science Institute:
The Bioeconomy Science Institute is New Zealand’s newest Public Research Organisation (PRO) formed through the merger of AgResearch, Plant & Food Research, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, and Scion. The Bioeconomy Science Institute exists to power New Zealand’s transition to a circular, resilient, and prosperous bioeconomy. Through world-leading science, the Bioeconomy Science Institute drives innovation across agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, biotechnology, and manufacturing.
About the Role
As a key member of the Leadership Team, this role combines strategic leadership in science and innovation with deep partnership across iwi and Māori enterprises, embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi throughout the organisation. You will champion Māori economic growth, co-design research and innovation initiatives, and foster global partnerships—unlocking lasting, equitable benefits for Māori and positioning New Zealand as a leader in sustainable bioeconomy innovation.
- Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board, shaping organisational direction, investment priorities, and performance outcomes.
- Lead the development of a unified Māori Partnerships development plan and delivery of the Māori Growth Agenda, embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments and enabling Māori impact opportunities across the organisation.
- Build and maintain influential relationships with iwi, Māori enterprises, government agencies, and research partners to align the Māori Growth Agenda aspirations with the Institute’s mission.
- Represent the Institute in high-level engagements, including iwi forums, pan-PRO Māori partnerships, and national and international research collaborations.
- Drive cultural capability building across the organisation, embedding kaupapa Māori principles and fostering inclusive, equitable, future-focused change.
- Provide thought leadership on emerging trends in indigenous science, innovation, and partnerships, ensuring the Institute remains at the forefront of global developments.
Background, Skills & Experience
The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with deep cultural competence and proven experience in the development and delivery of science, research or innovation and/or mātauranga Māori integration. They will bring credibility in engaging with iwi and Māori organisations, influencing at senior levels, and delivering transformation.
- Demonstrated proficiency in tikanga, te reo Māori, and mātauranga Māori
- Proven experience leading science, research, or innovation initiatives with Māori integration
- Strong strategic capability to align organisational goals with iwi-Māori aspirations
- Exceptional relationship-building skills across iwi, government, and sector partners
- Influential Māori sector networks
- Proven senior leadership experience driving cultural and organisational transformation
- Expertise in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Vision Mātauranga, and Māori–Crown partnership frameworks
This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to help lead one of the world’s largest publicly owned primary sector and environmental science institutions, positioning Aotearoa New Zealand at the forefront of bioeconomy innovation, driving sustainable, inclusive, and digitally empowered outcomes for current and future generations.
Location: Preferred locations are: Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Wellington or Lincoln
Full-time
Apply now via Seek (Chief Māori, Innovation and Partnerships Officer) , or for more information please contact Lucinda Beamish at Hobson Leavy Executive Search: beamish@hobsonleavy.com
Applications close on 14 September 2025
