National Hydrographer
Position Description
About this role
Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role
New Zealand's National Hydrographer is one of the most distinctive senior leadership roles in the Southern Hemisphere, combining national domain authority, international influence, and direct responsibility for the safety of mariners across some of the world's most remote ocean territory.
Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) is the New Zealand Hydrographic Authority, responsible for the production, maintenance, and distribution of nautical charts and hydrographic information for New Zealand waters, five Pacific Island countries, and the Ross Sea region of Antarctica. Our products underpin the safety of maritime trade, supply chains, and communities across a vast area of the South Pacific.
As National Hydrographer, you will lead LINZ's hydrographic programme and represent New Zealand in the international hydrographic community. This is a role that requires you to operate simultaneously at the national policy level, within the global standards ecosystem, and on the front line with the maritime professionals who depend on our products every day.
You will be the recognised expert voice for hydrography within LINZ and across New Zealand's maritime sector, providing technical leadership, setting strategic direction, and ensuring our products and services are fit for purpose now and as the industry transitions to the S-100 digital ecosystem.
This position includes:
- Leading LINZ's hydrographic programme, including nautical charting, hydrographic surveying, maritime digital transformation, and seabed and coastal mapping
- Representing New Zealand at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and its working groups, ensuring our region's voice is heard in the development of global standards
- Serving as senior representative of the SW Pacific Hydrographic Commission (SWPHC), supporting capacity development across Pacific Island member states
- Maintaining and developing New Zealand's bilateral hydrographic relationships, particularly with the Australian Hydrographic Office and Pacific Island NZ realm countries
- Providing authoritative technical advice to Maritime NZ (the national regulator), MFAT, and other government agencies on hydrographic matters
- Leading the transition from legacy products to the S-100 suite of digital products and services, while maintaining the current paper chart folio
- Championing hydrography's contribution to New Zealand's economy, maritime safety, and environmental stewardship
- Building and maintaining relationships with professional mariners, harbourmasters, marine pilots, recreational mariner organisations, and other maritime stakeholders
- Contributing as a member of LINZ's senior leadership cohort, working collectively to drive organisational performance and outcomes
- As the National Hydrographer you will be an ex-officio member of the New Zealand Geographic Board (NZGB) at LINZ, and Chair of the Undersea Features Names Committee, an advisory committee under the NZGB.
This is a rare opportunity for an experienced hydrographic professional to lead at the national and international level, with genuine influence over the future of hydrography in the South West Pacific.
He pūkenga tou | Skills & Experience
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
Essential:
- Professional qualifications and operational experience in hydrographic surveying, nautical cartography, or a closely related maritime discipline, with the credibility to front to professional mariners, harbourmasters, and pilots
- Deep understanding of the international hydrographic standards framework, including IHO standards (S-57, S-100 suite), IMO SOLAS Convention, and how these translate into national regulation
- Experience engaging in international or regional forums, whether through the IHO, regional hydrographic commissions, or equivalent bodies
- A track record of senior leadership: setting direction, building capability, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and delivering in a resource-constrained environment
- Strong understanding of the maritime safety ecosystem, ports, vessel traffic services, marine pilots, Maritime NZ, and the reciprocal roles of maritime professionals
- The judgment to distinguish when to act fast (maritime safety messages) and when to consult widely before deciding
- A commitment to strengthening Māori-Crown relations and the Treaty of Waitangi, and an understanding of the unique bicultural context of working in New Zealand
Desirable:
- Leadership experience in a national hydrographic office
- Familiarity with the South West Pacific region and Pacific Island hydrographic capacity development
- Experience with S-100 product development and the broader maritime digital transformation
- Understanding of New Zealand's central government environment, or comparable experience working within a government agency
- Knowledge of seabed mapping programmes and their intersection with environmental, scientific, and Māori interests
The expected appointing range for this role is $185,000 to $205,000 depending on skills and experience.
Ngā mea e tukuna ana e tātau | What we offer
- Interesting work which impacts Aotearoa as we care for whenua, moana and arawai
- Wellbeing allowance reimbursement
- Ability to purchase additional leave
- Annual Flu Vaccinations
- Reduced Health Insurance Premiums
- Diverse groups and networks
- If eligible for paid parental leave, you will be entitled to a top up payment for the first 18 weeks of the 26 weeks
- A minimum of four weeks and three days annual leave
Te Tākinatanga | Our Story
Toitū Te Whenua plays a vital role in understanding, developing, and caring for New Zealand's whenua, moana and arawai (land, sea and waterways). Whether you're developing our products and services to support our customers, managing the Crown estate, engaging with our iwi partners, or helping us be an effective regulator, your contribution can make a difference. Our mahi helps New Zealanders have confidence that the development of our land, communities and country is being planned from an informed and expert position that balances environmental, social, cultural, and economic considerations, now and for future generations.
Our Kia Toipoto Intentions
Toitū Te Whenua is a diverse team of individuals with different experience and perspectives. This drives our culture and high performance. We know that people from underrepresented groups and women in particular don't apply for roles if they're not a 100% match, but we're not looking for perfection, we're looking for potential. As an inclusive and supportive employer, we value difference and want to encourage anyone interested to apply, regardless of whether you tick all the boxes or not. As an organisation we embrace diversity, encourage work life balance and have a flexible approach to the way we work which means you will quickly feel connected and valued.
You may notice that the Role Profile title for this role (Leader/Kaiārahi, National Hydrographer) doesn't match the advertised title. At Toitū Te Whenua we design our roles around shared capabilities (rather than focusing on tasks). This means our position descriptions are broad, one position description can cover many roles, known as a Broad Based Role (BBR). BBR allows us to be responsive to our customers and to strengthen connections across our organisation, giving us the flexibility to provide wider opportunities to our people.
Tono mai | How to Apply
If you're eyeing up this role and believe you've got what it takes, please apply, or get in touch with the team.
To apply, please click "Apply Online." You'll be taken through to our Toitū Te Whenua Careers Centre where you'll be able to review further information about the responsibilities and accountabilities of this role in the Position Description. You'll be able to complete your online application form and upload a copy of your CV and cover letter.
Please note, while applications close on Thursday 13 August 2026, we may be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if you are interested.
For tracking and evaluation purposes, all applications must be submitted via our online process. You must be able to obtain the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be eligible for this position.
If you have any questions about this role or working at Toitū Te Whenua, please email opportunities@linz.govt.nz and our People Services Team will be in touch.
