Kaitohutohu Matua | Senior Advisor, Gisborne at Te Puni Kōkiri - Ministry of Māori Development, Gisborne

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Our Gisborne tīma is looking for a Kaitohu Matua | Senior Advisor. This role reports to the Manukura | Team Leader, Gisborne and is a permanent and full-time opportunity.

Te whai wāhitanga | The opportunity

The Senior Advisor leads work with whānau, hapū, iwi, Māori organisations and communities to deliver initiatives that strengthen long‑term social and economic outcomes for Māori. You’ll lead and maintain strong relationships with PSGEs and other Māori entities, and act as a key conduit between Te Puni Kōkiri, Māori communities and partners, ensuring information flows effectively in both directions.

You’ll analyse local insights on Māori views, aspirations and experiences to inform policy thinking, and lead the provision of high‑quality advice to the Minister’s Office. You’ll also provide mentoring and coaching to Advisors across the region.

The likely appointment range is $104,317 - $115,907 based on skills and experience.

For more information about the skills and experience required for this position, please see the job description below.

Mōu | About you

You will possess strong writing skills and the ability to tailor your writing for different audiences. You will be a critical thinker with the ability to identify and articulate the real issues and why they exist. You will support the development and implementation of initiatives that aim to improve long-term economic and social outcomes for Māori, based on these identified issues.

You will also have:

• A willingness to build strong relationships with Māori communities, iwi, hapū, whānau and other government agencies
• Demonstrated technical writing skills
• Understanding of te reo me ōna tikanga
• Public sector experience
• An understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti ō Waitangi and recognise the importance of the Treaty/Tiriti from both Māori and Crown perspectives

A clean full driver license is required for this role.

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  

We offer flexible working options as well as training and development opportunities, including in te reo Māori. 

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 Story

We 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 31 Haratua 2026 ā te 11.55pm | Applications close on Sunday 31 May 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