Nz Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Oversees transport networks, manages infrastructure, and improves road safety across New Zealand.
11 days ago
Expert & Leadership (13+ years)
Full Time
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Hybrid
Company Size
5,000 Employees
Service Specialisms
Sector Specialisms
Description
stakeholder management
regional partnerships
strategic alignment
project delivery
reputation building
leadership
The Director Regional Relationships is a high‑profile regional leadership role focused on stakeholder management and the delivery of major transport projects that generate significant economic and community benefits. Reporting to the Group General Manager Engagement & Partnerships, the role sits on the Group Leadership team and is responsible for strengthening NZ Transport Agency’s (NZTA) presence, performance and reputation across Northland and Auckland.
- Lead relationship building and management with regional partners and stakeholders in Northland and Auckland
- Enhance NZTA’s presence, performance and reputation across the regions
- Represent NZTA at regional forums, events and media; chair the regional leadership team
- Facilitate strategic alignment among local, regional, central government and Iwi stakeholders
- Support regional delivery of major transport projects delivering economic and community benefits
- Maintain complex relationship frameworks and manage local issues
Requirements
senior leadership
facilitation
influencing
media relations
government insight
iwi partnerships
Successful candidates will excel at building collaborative relationships with local, regional and central government bodies as well as Iwi partners, and possess a deep understanding of the machinery of government and the political context. They will represent NZTA at regional forums, events and in the media, and chair the agency’s regional leadership team, ensuring strategic alignment and effective influence across stakeholders.
The position requires significant senior leadership experience, exceptional facilitation and influencing skills, and a proven ability to create strategic alignment among diverse regional stakeholders. Candidates should have a strong grasp of the wider government and regulatory environment, experience working with Iwi, local authorities and senior executives, and possess media expertise to manage local issues and public communication.
- Demonstrate significant senior leadership experience and ability to influence senior-level relationships
- Exhibit strong facilitation, influencing and media communication skills
- Understand government machinery, regulatory environment and transport sector impact
- Experience working with Iwi partners, local government and senior executives
Benefits
The Engagement and Partnerships Group leads agency governance, iwi and stakeholder engagement, customer communications and regional relationships, supporting transport outcomes and project delivery through effective community engagement. Permanent staff enjoy NZTA Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance, five weeks of annual leave, 15 days of sick leave after three years, annual health‑check programmes, well‑being initiatives and a service recognition programme.
- NZTA Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance
- Five weeks annual leave plus 15 days sick leave after three years
- Annual flu vaccinations, health checks and eye tests
- Well‑being initiatives supporting physical and mental health
- Service recognition programme
Training + Development
Interview process
Visa Sponsorship
Security clearance
Overview
11,000 km
Road Network
Manages a vast network spanning thousands of kilometers to support transportation needs.
- Committed to enhancing transport systems for safer and more sustainable roads.
- Key focus on improving safety, reducing congestion, and supporting economic growth.
- Works on high-impact projects like highway upgrades, bridge construction, and public transport systems.
- Partners with local councils, contractors, and government bodies to drive transport innovation.
- Focus on long-term projects, including future-proofing infrastructure for urban and rural areas.
- Committed to integrating new technologies, like electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Culture + Values
- We are here to improve people’s lives through transport.
- We embrace diversity of thought and are open to new ideas.
- We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone.
- We work collaboratively and communicate openly.
- We make decisions based on evidence, data, and facts.
- We are accountable for our actions and outcomes.
- We act with integrity and are guided by strong ethics.
Environment + Sustainability
35% reduction target
Emissions reduction goal by 2025
Aims to significantly lower transport-related emissions to support climate goals.
10% reduction achieved
Carbon emissions reduction in 2020
Demonstrates progress toward long-term sustainability objectives with measurable results.
- Committed to becoming a net-zero carbon organization by 2050.
- Promotes electric vehicles and sustainable transport options.
- Focus on sustainability extends to procurement, encouraging eco-friendly products and practices.
Inclusion & Diversity
43% Workforce
Women Representation
WomenCurrently account for about half of NZTA’s workforce, reflecting progress toward gender equality.
50% Leadership Goal
Gender Diversity Target
Aiming for balanced gender representation in senior roles within the next four years.
- Focus on increasing gender diversity across all levels.
- Policies implemented to support gender equality and ensure balanced representation in leadership roles.