The Senior Geo-Spatial Analyst & Policy Researcher will play a crucial role in integrating geospatial analysis with policy research, focusing on Māori land, environmental conservation, resource management, and Indigenous intellectual property rights. The role involves using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies to analyse land use, ecological changes, and cultural heritage sites while aligning research with He Wakaputanga 1835, Te Tiriti o Waitangi 1840, and Tino Rangatiratanga principles.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Geospatial Analysis & Mapping
Develop, manage, and analyse spatial datasets related to Māori land, freshwater, marine
environments, and biodiversity.
Conduct geospatial analysis to track historical and contemporary land changes, including land alienation, reclaimed land, and coastal erosion.
Utilize LiDAR, remote sensing, and satellite imagery to assess environmental conditions and changes over time.
Create interactive maps and dashboards using ArcGIS, QGIS, and other GIS platforms to support policy decisions.
Integrate Māori place names, traditional land boundaries, and ecological data into
geospatial mapping for historical and contemporary analysis.
2. Māori Land & Environmental Policy Research
Conduct in-depth research on land tenure systems, Māori-owned land, and the impacts of legislation on Indigenous land rights.
Analyze historical geospatial data to identify patterns of land confiscation and
environmental degradation.
Provide policy recommendations based on geospatial evidence and Māori legal frameworks.
Research the ecological impact of climate change on Māori land, waterways, and
biodiversity.
Contribute to reports on the intersection of AI, cyber security, and geospatial data
concerning Māori intellectual property rights.
3. Indigenous Data Sovereignty & Intellectual Property Protection
Ensure Māori data sovereignty (Te Mana Raraunga) principles are upheld in all geospatial data collection, storage, and use.
Work with Indigenous communities to develop culturally appropriate geospatial datasets that respect Tikanga Māori.
Advocate for protections around Māori land and cultural sites from AI-driven data
exploitation and unauthorized use of geospatial data.
Conduct risk assessments on cyber threats related to geospatial information security.
4. Policy & Legislative Analysis
Analyses how legislative acts from 1800 to 2024 impact Māori land, biodiversity, and
conservation efforts.
Provide geospatial support for legal cases involving land claims, resource management, and conservation laws.
Examine the role of the Resource Management Act, Conservation Act, and Marine and
Coastal Area Act in Indigenous rights.
Develop frameworks to incorporate He Wakaputanga 1835, Te Tiriti o Waitangi 1840, and Tino Rangatiratanga into environmental policies.
5. Database & Technology Management
Develop and maintain geospatial databases of Māori land, conservation areas, and
environmental threats.
Utilize AI-powered analytics to automate geospatial analysis processes.
Ensure cloud-based and on-premise storage solutions are secure and align with Māori data governance principles.
Work with programmers and data scientists to integrate geospatial data with AI, blockchain, and cyber security solutions for Indigenous land protection.
6. Community Engagement & Training
Engage with hapū, iwi, and Māori organizations to co-design geospatial projects that align with Te Ao Māori values.
Provide training workshops on GIS and remote sensing for rangatahi (young leaders) and Māori researchers.
Support hapū and iwi with GIS-based environmental monitoring for freshwater, forestry, and marine conservation projects.
Create culturally appropriate educational materials on geospatial technology and its role in protecting Māori whenua.
Key Competencies & Skills:
Technical Skills:
✔ Expertise in GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, Mapbox, Google Earth Engine)
✔ Proficiency in remote sensing, LiDAR, and satellite imagery analysis
✔ Strong Python, R, or SQL skills for spatial data analysis and automation
✔ Experience with AI-powered geospatial analysis tools
✔ Knowledge of Indigenous data sovereignty frameworks and ethical geospatial practices
✔ Advanced cartographic design and spatial visualization skills
Research & Analytical Skills:
✔ Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills in geospatial and policy analysis
✔ Ability to interpret large datasets and present findings in a culturally relevant manner
✔ In-depth knowledge of environmental policies, Māori land laws, and international Indigenous
rights frameworks
✔ Understanding of cyber security risks and AI-driven threats to geospatial data
Cultural & Ethical Knowledge:
✔ Deep understanding of Te Ao Māori, He Wakaputanga 1835, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi 1840
✔ Strong commitment to Māori intellectual property rights and Tikanga Māori
✔ Experience working with hapū, iwi, and Māori governance structures
✔ Awareness of Māori environmental frameworks, such as Te Mana o te Wai
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement:
✔ Ability to present complex geospatial findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
✔ Experience collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, and Indigenous communities
✔ Strong writing skills for producing reports, policy briefs, and academic papers
✔ Proficiency in Te Reo Māori is highly desirable
Qualifications & Experience:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Geospatial Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Data Science, or a related field.
At least 5-10 years of experience in geospatial analysis, land management, or policy
research.
Proven experience working on Māori land and environmental projects.
Experience in legislative analysis related to land and resource management is an advantage.
Knowledge of AI, blockchain, and cyber security applications in geospatial data protection is a plus.
Preferred Certifications:
GIS Professional (GISP) Certification
Remote Sensing Certification (e.g., ESRI, NASA)
Te Reo Māori proficiency certification (preferred)
Cyber Security/Data Governance certification (desirable)
Performance Indicators & Success Metrics:
✔ Quality and accuracy of geospatial maps and datasets produced
✔ Impact of research on Māori land policy and legislative reforms
✔ Engagement and collaboration with hapū, iwi, and Māori organizations
✔ Training and capacity-building contributions within Māori communities
✔ Cyber security resilience and protection of Indigenous geospatial data
✔ Published reports and recommendations influencing national and international policy
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Flexible working conditions, including remote work options
- Professional development opportunities in AI, cyber security, and Indigenous data sovereignty
- Opportunity to work on high-impact projects influencing Māori land and environmental policies
Interested applicants should submit:
- A CV outlining relevant experience and qualifications
- A cover letter explaining their understanding of Māori land issues, geospatial analysis, and policy research
- Examples of previous geospatial or policy research work.
- Applicants must be NZ residents and or have a NZ working Visa.
