Department of Conservation executives in Northland held a powhiri in Whangarei on Monday to welcome its first ever pou tairangahau (iwi relations manager).
The new position is part of DoC's move to lead engagement with whanau, hapu and iwi when it comes to conservation matters.
Northland's acting conservator Alistair Drake says it is an important role, as the ability to build new relationships with tangata whenua and strengthen existing ones is essential if the department is to achieve conservation outcomes necessary for the cultural and historic heritage of New Zealand.
Mr Drake says Treaty of Waitangi settlements will be a boost for the Northland economy, and DoC has to make sure that organisations are in tune with conservation issues, as well as the economic ones with which iwi will be grappling.
