Regional representative

Do you want to help secure the protection of our unique natural and cultural heritage on private land for the benefit of all New Zealanders? QEII National Trust is looking for an independent contractor to act as our regional representative in the South Taranaki region. The contract is for 1,150 - 1,250 hours per year and will cover the South Taranaki and Stratford district council areas within the Southern and Eastern Taranaki region. Regional representatives (reps) work closely with landowners to achieve protection of native biodiversity and other high value areas on private land; monitor existing covenants and provide valuable ecological management advice and support; and assist landowners in meeting their covenant stewardship obligations. This work involves field-based assessments of the values and threats present and preparing information for consideration by the executive. In doing so, reps work closely with our ecological and legal advisors in the Wellington office. A sound ecological understanding of our indigenous flora, fauna, and the threats they face within Taranaki is desirable, alongside a proven ability to build lasting partnerships across multiple sectors (including with regional councils, territorial authorities, iwi, and local community groups), comfort accessing and working in remote backcountry areas is necessary. Experience working with landowners and applying practical and resourceful land management solutions would be an advantage. The successful South Taranaki applicant would be engaged as an independent contractor for 1,150 – 1,250 hours per year. The successful applicant would supply a home/office set-up and suitable vehicle with mileage reimbursed based on the IRD rate. * About us – QEII National Trust - Ngā Kairauhī Papa Our mission is to support and inspire people to protect and enhance special places, creating a network of thriving natural landscapes with communities closely connected to them. Almost 70% of New Zealand is in private ownership, so protecting biodiversity and heritage on private land is critical to reversing the decline of indigenous biodiversity and preserving our history. We are an independent statutory organisation and a registered charity that partners with private landowners to protect sites on their land with covenants. A covenant is an agreement between QEII and a landowner to protect land forever. The landowner continues to own and manage the protected land, and the covenant and protection stays on the land, even when the property is sold to a new owner. Our partnerships have created a growing network of over 5,300 protected areas throughout Aotearoa. These covenants protect 190,000 hectares of private land and play a key role as a refuge for some of New Zealand’s rarest and most endangered biodiversity and ecosystems. * How to apply If this contracting opportunity sounds like you, we would love to hear from you! To apply please send your cover letter and CV to contracting@qeii.org.nz by 9 am Tuesday 28 April 2026. You must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand to apply. The services and requirements of the contract are available here - https://bit.ly/41uulvP If you have any questions or for more information on the position, please email contracting@qeii.org.nz.