About the role
We are seeking an experienced and knowledgeable Senior Nursery Consultant to provide specialist support, mentoring and practical guidance to our Nursery Manager and wider nursery team. This is a senior advisory role for someone with substantial experience in plant nursery operations, plant production and people development. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will work alongside the Nursery Manager to strengthen day-to-day nursery operations, develop staff capability, maintain high standards of plant quality and help identify opportunities to improve productivity, systems and profitability.
Key responsibilities - Provide regular mentoring, guidance and professional support to the Nursery Manager and small team of nursery operations staff, strengthening operational leadership.
- Review and support nursery production practices, workflows and operational systems.
- Provide practical advice on plant propagation, growing, potting, watering, nutrition, pest and disease management, pruning and general plant care.
- Promote consistently high standards of plant health, presentation and quality.
- Identify plant health, growing or production issues and recommend appropriate corrective action.
- Review current practices and assist with developing or improving standard operating procedures and work systems.
- Support the Nursery Manager in maintaining a safe, well-organised working environment.
What you'll bring - Extensive experience in commercial nursery operations, with strong knowledge of plant production and management practices.
- Proven ability to supervise, coach and mentor staff, building capability and confidence across the team.
- Practical, hands-on approach with strong problem-solving, decision-making and communication skills.
- Skilled at identifying issues, providing constructive advice and supporting effective solutions.
- Well organised, with a solid understanding of production planning, workflow and quality standards.
- Committed to high plant quality, safe work practices and developing a positive, high-performing nursery team.
- Formal horticultural qualifications would be an advantage but relevant industry experience and knowledge is a must.
About us
Te Tapu o Tāne is an iwi-led, Māori-owned eco-sourced native nursery and environmental services enterprise based in Murihiku (Southland). We are dedicated to delivering end-to-end, large-scale catchment rehabilitation. Grounded in Te Ao Māori and guided by kaitiakitaka (guardianship), our core belief is simple but powerful: "We are not just growing trees—we are growing our people and community." Our high-performing native nursery operations in Invercargill are central to this mission.
We specialise in producing high-quality, eco-sourced plants destined to restore the mauri (life force) of our whenua and awa across the South Island.
We can offer you - A flexible, part-time working arrangement
- An opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the development of a nursery and its people.
- A varied role combining horticultural expertise, mentoring and operational support.
- The opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with the next generation of nursery professionals.
- A collaborative environment where practical experience and continuous improvement are valued.
This is a unique opportunity to help build the people capability of the business. If you enjoy mentoring others, flexibility and working outdoors in a nursery environment in Southland, this is the role for you.
We have partnered with Kin to help us fill this key role. Please apply with your CV and cover letter telling us why you’d be a great fit. We will be reviewing and progressing applications as they are received, so apply today! For any further information please contact Nicola McGregor ••••@kin.co.nz or ph 02••••••268
All applicants for this position must have NZ residency or hold a valid NZ work visa to be eligible to apply.