Private Secretary at Te Kawa Mataaho | Public Service Commission, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Private Secretary

Public Service Secondment or fixed term opportunity

Full-time (Part time will also be considered)

Term: Until 30 June 2026

Security clearance: Confidential

 

 

About the role:

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of the Public Service, supporting the relationship between the Minister, the Commissioner, and the wider Commission. As Private Secretary, you'll be a trusted link between the Minister's office and the Commission, helping ensure priorities are delivered smoothly and effectively.

 

Rather than a purely administrative role, this position offers variety and influence. You'll be involved in shaping responses to key issues, coordinating ministerial engagement, and supporting decision-making at the highest level. Your responsibilities will be tailored to your experience, giving you the chance to grow and develop in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.

 

This role is full-time until 30 June 2026, with part-time options considered and could be a Public Service secondment or fixed-term appointment.

 

About you:
This role will suit someone at experienced advisor/senior advisor level who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment. You will be effective in managing relationships with Senior Managers/Ministers and have good organisational, and analytical skills. You will also be highly adaptable and able to respond to issues and deal with sensitive information with good judgement and maturity.

 

We are looking for someone who:

• Is highly organised, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Has a sound understanding of the principle of political neutrality and is able to ensure utmost confidentiality
• Exercises good judgment, high integrity, honesty and trustworthiness
• Is adaptable and able to respond to changing priorities and skilled at building and maintaining effective relationships.

 

Key responsibilities:

You'll work closely with the existing Private Secretary to manage a busy workload. Your work will include:

• Managing key processes – reviewing Official Information Act requests, Written Questions, and correspondence, liaising with private secretaries in other offices and maintaining essential desk files.
• Supporting ministerial engagement – coordinating meetings, sending consultation papers, preparing briefing packs, and ensuring timely flow of information.
• Supporting decision-making – supporting senior leaders to connect on key priorities, including organising cross-Ministerial forums.
• Taking ownership of specific subject areas where you can add value.

 

This is a role where no two days are the same – you'll combine strategic coordination with hands-on problem solving, all while building strong relationships across the Public Service.

 

About Us

Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission leads the Public Sector to make a positive difference for New Zealand and New Zealanders. For more information about our role and purpose, visit our website at www.publicservice.govt.nz.

 

Important Information

We believe in a diverse and inclusive Public Service which reflects the communities that we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. We welcome every gender, ethnicity, ability, religion, age, and background and encourage people to be their authentic selves at work. Talk to us about what flexible work arrangements might work for both you and us.

 

How to apply:

 

In your cover letter we'd like to know:

• about you and your values
• your interest and motivations for this role
• what you would bring to the role, with concrete examples about how you have applied these strengths in previous roles.

 

If you would like more information about the role, please email people@publicservice.govt.nz.

 

Requirements

You will need to have or be able to attain a security clearance at the level of Confidential.

 

Please note that all applicants are required to apply via jobs.govt.nz. You will need a RealMe account to apply.

 

If you are not a New Zealand citizen, you must hold current eligibility to work in New Zealand and for Te Kawa Mataaho. Please refer to the New Zealand Immigration Service for further information. If you have any login issues, please contact jobsiteadministrator@dia.govt.nz immediately for support.

 

Job ad opened for applications on 18 December 2025.

 

Please submit your application by or on Sunday 25 January 2026. Early applications are encouraged, as we may close applications early if we have a high demand for this role.