Manager, HR Advisory at Te Puni Kōkiri - Ministry of Māori Development, Wellington

• Lead critical people services — HR Advisory, ER, Recruitment and more
• Work closely with senior leaders and influence workforce decisions
• Senior leadership role with organisation-wide impact

Te whai wāhitanga | The opportunity

Te Puni Kōkiri is seeking an experienced and credible people leader to join our People, Capability and Culture directorate as Manager, HR Advisory.

This senior leadership role is responsible for leading key operational people services across the organisation. Reporting to the General Manager, People, Capability and Culture, you will ensure high-quality service delivery while contributing to broader workforce and organisational priorities.

You will lead a diverse portfolio including:

• HR Advisory
• Employee and Industrial Relations
• Recruitment
• Health, Safety and Wellbeing
• Emergency Management
• Business Continuity and Organisational Resilience

You will provide trusted advice to senior leaders, oversee complex people matters, and ensure services are integrated, responsive and aligned to organisational goals.

Ko wai koe | About you

You are a highly credible and experienced people leader who can operate confidently at both strategic and operational levels. You are comfortable navigating complexity, influencing senior leaders and leading through others.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading HR, people or workforce functions in a complex organisation
• Strong employment and industrial relations expertise
• Experience leading multiple functions and specialist teams
• Knowledge of New Zealand employment legislation and public sector employment practices
• Experience leading organisational change and continuous improvement
• Strong judgement and the ability to provide pragmatic, risk-aware advice
• Proven leadership, coaching and team development capability
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship management skills
• Experience in health and safety, wellbeing, resilience, emergency management or business continuity
• Understanding of government and public sector environments
• Commitment to working effectively in a te ao Māori environment where tikanga and te reo Māori are valued

He aha āu e whiwhi ai | What we offer

This is an opportunity to lead a significant organisation-wide portfolio and help shape the delivery of people services across Te Puni Kōkiri. You will work alongside senior leaders and contribute to a high-performing, inclusive and values-led organisation.

Salary range: $191,967 - $211,164

Tāu e whai ai | What you will get in return

Te Puni Kōkiri offers a diverse and rewarding environment with a strong focus on supporting our people and communities. Benefits include:

• Childcare, optical, wellbeing and te reo Māori proficiency allowances
• Medical insurance discounts
• Flexible working arrangements
• In-house te reo Māori training
• Professional development and study assistance
• Enhanced parental leave provisions

Mō Te Puni Kōkiri | About us

Te Puni Kōkiri is the Government's principal policy adviser on Māori development and Crown-Māori relations. Our vision is Thriving Whānau, where whānau, hapū, iwi and communities can thrive and belong.

The People, Capability and Culture directorate builds organisational capability, leadership, workforce performance, safety, wellbeing and employee experience to support our strategic objectives.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures and experiences.

Me pēhea te tono | How to apply

If you are an experienced people leader with a strong track record of strategic thinking and operational delivery, we'd love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close: Sunday 18 October 2026, 11.55pm

Enquiries: vacancy@tpk.govt.nz

If you require accessibility support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact vacancy@tpk.govt.nz.