Lead New Zealand's environmental regulator into its next chapter
- Shape the future of environmental protection in New Zealand
- Drive strategic transformation in a dynamic regulatory landscape
- Build trusted relationships across government, iwi, business, and communities
- Manage the operation of key regulatory processes including Hazardous Substances and New Organisms, Fast-track Consenting and RMA Approvals, the Emissions Trading Register, Exclusive Economic Zone, and including the Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement functions
- Help establish the proposed Gene Technology regulator
Our purpose | Tō tātou Kaupapa
We are the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), New Zealand's independent environmental regulator. Our role is to ensure our environment and economy thrive together, regulating today for the future.
We oversee key regulatory processes and make our decisions based on evidence, science, and mātauranga Māori, to protect our country’s environment and its people. At the EPA, we seek operational excellence and high performance in everything we do, dealing with some of the big regulatory challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand. What we achieve today helps shape the future of New Zealand for generations to come.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As Chief Executive, you will provide the leadership needed to position the EPA as a high-performing, future-focused, and proactive regulator. This is an opportunity to drive organisational evolution, ensuring the EPA remains agile and resilient while balancing environmental protection with sustainable economic growth.
You will lead a dedicated team of over 250 technical, scientific, and professional experts with approximately $70 million in operational scope. Your focus will be on maintaining regulatory excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement to meet the evolving demands of modern regulators.
Beyond leading internally, you will be a critical voice in New Zealand's environmental system. You will build trusted relationships with Ministers, central and local government agencies, iwi, the business community, and international partners. Your policy and regulatory acumen will help you navigate complex environments while maintaining the EPA's regulatory independence and integrity. This role gives you the chance to shape regulatory practice and position the EPA as a credible, proactive and effective leader both nationally and globally.
About you | Mōhou ake
Your experience matters. We are looking for a C-suite leader with proven experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. You will bring strong strategic capability, demonstrated regulatory and organisational leadership, and exceptional relationship management skills.
You have a deep understanding of the significance of New Zealand’s environment and the benefits that arise from it, alongside a sophisticated grasp of science-based regulation. You possess the political acumen to provide free and frank advice to Ministers and the decisiveness to make evidence-based decisions while fostering innovation. Your commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing will be fundamental to your success.
This is your opportunity to apply your skills in strategic leadership and stakeholder engagement to protect and enhance our environment for the good of future generations.