National Manager, Te Ao Mārama at NZ Ministry of Justice, Multiple Locations

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

This role can be located Auckland, Wellington or Hamilton. We can also consider other locations across the North Island subject to consulation with the successful candidate.

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

Are you ready to lead transformational change for Māori and all court users? The Ministry of Justice invites you to step into a pivotal leadership role as National Manager, Te Ao Mārama. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of justice in Aotearoa New Zealand, that reflects the aspirations of iwi and communities, and delivers meaningful, lasting outcomes.

As National Manager, Te Ao Mārama, you will be at the forefront of a nationally significant change. You will have the chance to:

• Provide leadership for the national rollout and sustainability of Te Ao Mārama.
• Build enduring, trusted relationships with iwi, hapū, Māori organisations, the judiciary, and communities.
• Drive innovation, continuous improvement, and evidence-based outcomes that make a real difference for Māori and all court users.

This is your opportunity to make a profound impact, ensuring the justice system is more accessible, inclusive, and effective for everyone in Aotearoa.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

As a Tier 4 leader, you will lead with clarity and purpose, managing priorities and delivering high-quality services. You will engage others, delegate effectively, and ensure operational efficiency while fostering collaboration across functions. Your leadership will support continuous improvement, talent development, and an inclusive culture that drives performance and results.

To succeed in this pivotal role, you will bring a unique blend of strategic leadership, cultural competence, and operational excellence. We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Proven Strategic Leadership: Experience leading complex, large-scale programmes or transformations, ideally within the justice sector or a similarly complex environment.
• Deep Understanding of Te Ao Māori: Demonstrated fluency and comfort operating within Te Ao Māori, with a strong grasp of Te Reo me ōna Tikanga, and a commitment to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Relationship Building and Engagement: A track record of building trusted, enduring relationships with iwi, hapū, Māori organisations, the judiciary, and diverse communities.
• Operational and People Leadership: Experience managing teams, budgets, and resources to deliver measurable outcomes, while fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and inclusive culture.
• System Stewardship: Ability to work collectively across groups and with external partners to achieve system-wide goals and drive continuous improvement.
• Analytical and Evidence-Based Decision Making: Skilled in using data, insights, and evaluation to inform strategy, measure impact, and drive innovation.
• Integrity and Service: A strong alignment with the Ministry's values: Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence, and a commitment to public service.

Mō mātou/About us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture – the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Te Ao Mārama is designed to create a more accessible, inclusive, and effective justice system for all. Sitting at the heart of our operational delivery, Te Ao Mārama brings together the expertise of the judiciary, iwi, hapū, Māori organisations, and communities into the District Court system. As part of the Courts and Tribunals group, you will work alongside dedicated teams who are passionate about delivering modern, people-centred justice services, and who are committed to continuous improvement and partnership with the communities we serve.

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $177,308 and $228,440 based on skills and experience.

Tono mai/Apply

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on Sunday 22 February 2026; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and may invite successful candidates to interview before the close date.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz

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