Kaitohutohu Matua, Te Whakatairanga Kōrero | Senior Advisor, Communications at Te Puni Kōkiri - Ministry of Māori Development, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Kaitohutohu Matua | Senior Advisor, Communications who is looking to gain meaningful experience in our Strategy and Communications Team! This is a permanent opportunity, based in Te Tari Matua, Pōneke | National Office, Wellington.

The Strategy Puni supports the Executive Leadership Team to shape and drive the long-term strategic direction for Te Puni Kōkiri.

Te whai wāhitanga | The opportunity 

The Senior Advisor, Communications plays an important role supporting the Manager Strategy and Communications to deliver professional communications services and products to various client groups across Te Puni Kōkiri.

Given the diverse nature of our work, the Senior Advisor will have the opportunity to provide communications support on a variety of projects to support our vision of Thriving Whānau.

In this role, you will:

• Contribute to the development and production of high-quality communications.
• Provide effective management of media services.
• Support the strengthening and maintenance of our brand.
• Contribute to the development of communications capability across Te Puni Kōkiri.

The likely appointment range is $105,100 - $116,777 based on skills and experience. The full grade for this role is $105,100 - $140,132 with a mid-point of $116,777.

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

Mōu | About you 

To be successful in this role you will have the ability to build strong, trusted relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. You will bring experience working within the Public Service and have a sound understanding of the Machinery of Government and policy development processes.

With strong presentation and communication skills, you will have the credibility and confidence to communicate across a range of organisational priorities. With an understanding of te ao Māori, you will be comfortable working in an environment where tikanga is observed and valued.

Key attributes include:

• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a complex and politically sensitive environment.
• A high level of commitment to quality, accuracy, attention to detail, and delivery.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Exceptional relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.

You will be adaptable, organised with the ability to balance competing priorities while continuing to deliver quality mahi.

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 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 13^th Hepetema 2026 te 11.55pm | Applications close on Sunday,13^th September 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