Do you want to make a lasting contribution to the protection of Aotearoa’s unique natural and cultural heritage?
QEII National Trust is seeking an experienced and motivated independent contractor to join us as our Regional Representative for Te Anau and the Waiau catchment. This is a flexible contract of 1,150 – 1,250 hours per year, offering the opportunity to work independently while making a meaningful impact on biodiversity conservation across one of Aotearoa’s most spectacular landscapes.
About the Role
As a QEII Regional Representative, you’ll work directly with private landowners to protect and enhance areas of significant ecological, cultural and landscape value.
Your key responsibilities include:
· Building trusted relationships with landowners and supporting them through the covenant process
· Monitoring existing QEII covenants, checking compliance with the covenant deed and providing advice around how to best manage the protected area e.g weed and pest control.
· Assessing sites with significant biodiversity and conservation or cultural heritage values for protection
· Preparing assessment reports and recommendations for consideration by the QEII executive. Working closely with our ecological, legal and covenanting specialists in the Wellington office.
This role combines fieldwork, relationship management, ecological assessment and conservation advocacy. You’ll spend time on farms, in remote landscapes and in some of the South Islands most beautiful natural environments.
Contract area
The Te Anau and Waiau catchment region includes:
· Te Anau and surrounding districts
· South to Tuatapere
· East to the Aparima River
The area is within the Southland District and Environment Southland Regional Council jurisdictions. The approximate boundaries are viewable on our protected areas map: QEII National Trust Protected Areas
About this Region
The region currently contains 240 covenants, with many located around the Waiau river catchment. Approximately 70% of these protected areas are situated on farms owned by Pāmu Landcorp Farming Limited.
The role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the long-term stewardship of a significant network of protected private land across Southland.
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for someone who can combine ecological knowledge with strong relationship building skills.
Ideally you will have:
· A sound ecological understanding of Te Anau and Southland ecosystems, indigenous flora, fauna, and the threats they face.
· Experience working in conservation, ecology, environmental management, land management or a related field
· Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build lasting partnerships across multiple sectors (including with regional councils, territorial authorities, iwi, and local community groups)
· Confidence working independently in rural, farm, and backcountry environments
Applicants living in the Te Anau region or surrounding area, or who intend to relocate to this region, are strongly preferred.
What we Offer
· Flexible contact arrangement working up to 1,150 – 1,250 hours per year
· Meaningful conservation work with tangible outcomes
· The opportunity to work across diverse and outstanding Southland landscapes
· The chance to join a passionate team with a great culture
· Lots of support to help you succeed in your role
· Mileage reimbursement in line with IRD rates
The successful contractor will provide their own home/office set-up and suitable vehicle.
About us – QEII National Trust - Ngā Kairauhī Papa
We are passionate about our environment, and 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. With nearly 70% of New Zealand in private ownership, 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, regardless of changes of ownership.
Today, our network includes over 5,500 protected areas throughout Aotearoa, protecting more than 190,000 ha of private land and providing refuge for some of New Zealand’s rarest and most endangered species and ecosystems.
If this opportunity sounds like you, and you are legally entitled to work in New Zealand, we would love to hear from you!
For full contract details and requirements, visit our website: https://bit.ly/4y5Ch5s
Please send your cover letter and CV to contracting@qeii.org.nz by 9 am Monday 5 October 2026
For a confidential discussion or for further information, please contact contracting@qeii.org.nz. Or phone 04 474 2132
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