Principal Adviser at Ministry of Transport, Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Position Title:  Principal Adviser  

Team and Group:  Auckland, Investment & Monitoring

Position Type:  Permanent, Full Time (38 hours per week)

Location:  Auckland CBD office

Salary: Base Salary 127,142 – $168,973 per annum (+ KiwiSaver)

• Varied and interesting work
• High priority programmes/projects with an Auckland focus
• Auckland based only | Auckland CBD location 

About the Ministry of Transport | He kupu mō mātou Te Manatū Waka

The Ministry of Transport, Te Manatū Waka is the system leader for the transport sector whether it's on land, at sea, in the air, or connecting Aotearoa to the world. We work in partnership with a number of transport agencies to help keep the transport system moving and are the government's principal adviser on transport policy, regulation and investment. We play a crucial role in ensuring the transport system is working to improve the prosperity for New Zealanders.

At the Ministry of Transport, we pride ourselves on being a small, agile, and friendly Ministry, which maintains a culture that is collaborative, bold, and invested. We have approximately 230 staff across our Wellington and Auckland offices.



About the opportunity | Ngā whakamārama mō te tūnga

The Auckland team is one of six teams within the Investment and Monitoring Group. The team provides an integrated view on transport in Auckland to support the Minister, Ministry and transport sector in Auckland. We advise on: strategic direction and outcomes; investment planning, national policy relating to Auckland, key Auckland projects and Auckland issues and context. It's an exciting time to join the team with its work on transport planning and governance arrangements for Auckland.

The role involves:

• Partnering with the Director to develop and implement the Auckland work programme.
• Applying frameworks and analysis (including business case methodology) to identify investment choices and trade-offs.
• Providing advice on broad-ranging transport matters within short timeframes.
• Developing, testing, and implementing new ideas and policy frameworks that support the provision of forward focused expert advice.
• Enhancing the overall capability of the team through coaching and mentoring team members during their day-to-day work.
• Leading systems and strategic thinking to provide integrated advice across Auckland matters and to advise on Auckland within the national context.
• Proactively developing productive relationships across the Auckland transport sector

Based on the work this position is Auckland based only. 



What you'll bring | Te wāhi ki a koe

• Extensive experience and demonstrated successful capability in leading policy, economic or strategic analysis and advice in the public sector.
• Extensive experience of working in the Auckland environment with a deep understanding of context, institutional arrangements at a government and local government level and with existing senior stakeholder relationships.
• Demonstrated capability in being able to manage multiple demands and provide advice in short timeframes.
• Demonstrated capability in being able to write for multiple audiences and in particular for political decision-makers
• Demonstrated capability in building senior level relationships and effectively influencing.
• A relevant tertiary qualification.



Salary range | Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau

The base salary range budget for this position is $127,142 – $168,973 per annum (+ KiwiSaver) - midpoint of $140,812. The salary offered will reflect skills and experience.



What we offer | Te wāhi ki a mātou

We pride ourselves on being an agile and pragmatic Ministry. We are a small, friendly and supportive agency with a flat structure and strong values. We'll provide you with a range of health and wellbeing benefits and tools to carry out your work including laptop, mobile and WFH IT equipment. 



How to apply | Me pēhea te tono mai

To view the job description, or apply online, click Apply. Please include a CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

To apply for this role, you must have right to live and work in New Zealand. You will need to be based in Auckland or ready to relocate. Other locations will not be considered.

Applications close midnight, Sunday 15 June 2025.

For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Recruitment Adviser, Kitty McCool at k.mccool@transport.govt.nz  

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. We aim to have a Ministry that represents the wider Aotearoa that we serve. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels relevant, valued, supported and a sense of belonging.

For any support or accessibility needs during our recruitment process, please contact us at applications@transport.govt.nz







Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies to fill this vacancy and unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.