Our purpose, work and culture
Introduction
Join a team of people who love what they do.Our vison: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa
Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature spaces and species across Aotearoa.
Tangata whenua are inextricably linked to the whenua and te taiao, and we desire a future where whānau, hapū and iwi can thrive in their role as rangatira and kaitiaki.
Tō tātou taiāo. Tō tātou hītori. He tāonga tūturu nō Aotearoa. Maioha rawatia. Poipoia rawatia. Tukua.
Our nature. Our history. It's New Zealand's unique legacy. Enjoy it. Enrich it. Pass it on.
Our work
Our conservation work involves:
- taking care of the plants and animals in our environment, and preserving our natural landmarks
- bringing our history to life by sharing stories and preserving historic sites
- making sure our recreation areas are well-managed and encouraging people to get out and enjoy outdoor activities
- working with community groups and businesses to protect our environment
- partnering with whānau, hapū and iwi to honour our shared values and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- making sure everyone follows the rules and laws that help protect the environment.
Read more about Our role.
Our culture
DOC workers Image: Baptiste Maryns | ©
Our people have a shared vision to make Aotearoa New Zealand the greatest living space on Earth.
We work together and aim in the same direction, supporting and assisting each other. We build on our strengths.
We support our staff by providing:
- safe working conditions
- a working environment where the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi are upheld
- a commitment to inclusion and diversity in our workforce
- a workplace where your aims and aspirations are recognised
- career development and training opportunities.
Valuing inclusion and diversity
We believe in having an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone can take part, thrive, and grow.
An inclusive culture is one where we:
- encourage everyone to contribute
- seek out others with different perspectives
- listen to everyone's ideas
- support and develop our people
- give everyone equal access to opportunities
- allow people to be themselves at work.
Women in leadership
We have made great progress in closing gender pay gaps and achieving gender balanced leadership. We’ve developed a 12-month programme to reduce barriers to recruitment and progression. This includes a mentoring women in leadership learning series.
Flexible working
We're all about flexible work arrangements because our work takes us everywhere, from offices to the great outdoors across Aotearoa.
As long as you're getting the job done and everyone's staying safe and healthy, we're here to support whatever setup works best for you and for the role.
Kia toipoto: Closing pay gaps
We’re committed to addressing the causes of ethnic and gender pay gaps in our organisation.
Read more here about the Public Service Pay Gaps Action Plan 2021-24.
Public Service Commission (PSC) programmes
We aim to be an organisation that is inclusive by default, supported by a range of Public Service Commission (PSC) programmes. Find out more about these programmes of work below:
Papa Pounamu priorities
The Public Service Commission started Papa Pounamu in 2017.
Its purpose is to:
- combine inclusion and diversity efforts
- help public service chief executives meet their inclusion and diversity goals and obligations.
Read more about the five focus areas.
- Addressing bias – Te Urupare i te Mariu
- Fostering diverse leadership – Hautūtanga Kākano Rau
- Cultural competence – Te Āheinga ā-Ahurea
- Employee-led networks – Ngā tūhononga e kōkiritia ana e ngā kaimahi
- Inclusive leadership – Hautūtanga Ngākau Tuwhera
Contact us
If you have any questions about working at DOC, contact us at careers@doc.govt.nz.
DOC team members planning while out in the field.
