Apōrei | Principal Policy Advisor, Te Pou Oranga - Full Time, Fixed Term opportuat Te Puni Kōkiri - Ministry of Māori Development -
Are you passionate about policy analysis and are keen to provide expert advice to management, colleagues across the ministry, and Ministers? Do you enjoy leading the development of policy capability? Full time, Fixed Term/ Secondment opportunity till May 2027 based in Te Tari Matua/National Office in Pōneke WellingtonTe Pou Oranga team within the Policy puni is recruiting for an experienced Principal Policy Advisor to join the team on a full time, fixed term basis to backfill parental leave till May 2027Te Pou Oranga team is responsible for Māori related policy work in housing, education, training and employment.Our Policy puni leads public policy advice on issues of specific importance to Māori.
It also provides interdepartmental policy advice on matters most likely to impact directly on wellbeing and development outcomes for whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori. Working together with the other puni, Policy leads, influences, contributes to and supports policy thinking at multiple levels – from system-level strategic policy and frameworks, to specific, regionally located policy initiatives and proposals.The Policy puni is implementing new, agile ways of working to ensure we can adapt swiftly as priorities change.
This includes a stronger focus on programme management, collective decisions about resourcing across teams, and the ability to form temporary cross-team or puni project teams, when work doesn’t fit within existing teams. This flexibility allows us to deliver priority work, ensuring that we can respond to unique or emerging challenges as they arise.Te whai wāhitanga | The opportunityPrincipal Advisors provide strategic and technical leadership to deliver high-quality, future-focused policy advice across multiple projects.
They lead complex analysis and policy development and implementation, apply te ao Māori frameworks, manage risks, and represent Te Puni Kōkiri in key forums.They build organisational capability through coaching and project leadership, bringing strong awareness of Ministerial priorities and stakeholder perspectives.They also contribute to planning, reporting, and statutory obligations through thought leadership and quality advice.The likely appointment range for this role is between $123,317 and $137,018 per annum. The full salary range of the grade is $123,317 and $164,423 (120%) with mid-point being $137,018Mōu | About youWe are looking for kaimahi who: Can confidently and proficiently lead complex pieces of work, requiring engagement with stakeholders and meet timeframes as required by the Policy Manager, General Manager and wider puni.
Brings experience in social policy and an understanding of public sector operations. Brings effective written and verbal communication skills to ensure the timely, accurate preparation of documents and delivery of policy advice. Are comfortable in an ao Māori environment and situations where tikanga is observed.A level of competency in te reo Māori is ideal or having the willingness to learn. Understand the machinery of government, the role of the Te Reo Māori tīma and wider policy mahi. Bring an adaptable mindset to their mahi, resilience in the face of change, and remain calm under pressure.Tāu e whai ai | What you will get in return Te Puni Kōkiri is a diverse and rewarding working environment full of passionate kaimahi focused on creating solutions that will help our communities.
We are guided by our values of te wero, manaakitanga, he toa takitini and ture tangata. There is more to life than just work and we encourage our kaimahi to maintain the right balance between mahi and their personal lives. Your whānau is just as important as you, so we're committed to providing incentives and opportunities that help our kaimahi and their whānau to thrive, including: A range of allowances including childcare, optical, hauora/wellbeing and te reo Māori proficiency Medical insurance discounts Flexible working options In house te reo Māori training Kaimahi development and career options, including study assistance Enhanced parental leave provisions Te Puni Kōkiri | Ministry of Māori Development We are committed to our vision of 'Thriving Whānau' - when whānau are thriving, so do their communities, hapū, iwi and all of Aotearoa.
Te Puni Kōkiri leads policy advice to the Government on Māori development, and Iwi and Māori relations with the Crown. Our people are at the heart of the work we do – using our approaches to improve outcomes to, for and with Māori, and to drive our efforts to build an Aotearoa where whānau can all stand, thrive and belong.Find out more about Our StoryWe invite applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.We believe that diversity fuels innovation and enriches our collective strength. Your unique perspectives, skills, and heritage contribute to our mission of advancing Māori aspirations and well-being. Tono mai | Apply Now! Ka aukati ngā tono hei te Rātapu 29 Poutūterangi 2026 ā te 11.55pm | Applications close on Sunday 29 March 2026 at 11.55pm. Tukuna mai tau tono ā-ipurangi | Please submit your application online.
Nau mai rā ko ngā tononga i te reo Māori, te reo Pākehā, te reorua rānei | We welcome applications in te reo Māori, English, or both. Īmēratia vacancy@tpk.govt.nz me he pātai āu | Email vacancy@tpk.govt.nz with any pātai. We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have, are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone.
Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support, we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: vacancy@tpk.govt.nz