Aporei | Principal Advisor, Post Settlement, Whakamana (Fixed Term) at Te Puni Kōkiri - Ministry of Māori Development, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Te Puni Kōkiri leads policy advice to the Government on Māori development, and Iwi and Māori relations with the Crown. To do this effectively we must position ourselves to elevate our monitoring and mentoring responsibilities and emphasise our role in holding other agencies to account for delivery of public services to, for and with Māori.

Our Governance puni is looking for two experienced Principal Advisors to join the Whakamana/Post Settlement team on a full time, fixed term basis until March 2027, based in National Office, Wellington

Te Whiwhinga Mahi - The Opportunity

The Principal Advisor, Whakamana will support Te Puni Kōkiri’s system leadership role in respect of Treaty settlement commitments, contributing to discussions and advice on the post-Treaty settlement relationship. The Principal Advisor, Whakamana will lead, manage and participate in specialist projects focused on enhancing accountability for the Crown’s Treaty settlement commitments, and updating guidance for Crown agencies in meeting their Treaty settlement commitments.

The Principal Advisors will establish and sustain strong peer networks across the organisation and foster effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to contribute to Te Puni Kōkiri’s broader work programme for Iwi and Māori Relations with the Crown.

The full grade for this role is $123,317 - $164,423 with a mid-point of $137,018 (100%). This will be pro-rated for the period of the fixed term.

Ko wai koe - About you

• A relevant tertiary qualification and deep understanding of Māori Crown policy perspectives and Treaty settlements.
• Proven experience in policy development and legislative processes, including advising Ministers and Select Committees.
• Exceptional communication skills—both written and oral—to craft compelling papers, speeches, and responses.
• Ability to research, monitor developments, and prepare drafting instructions for legislation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills to navigate complex issues.
• Knowledge of government structures, monitoring methodologies, and demonstrated leadership in public policy analysis.
• This is your opportunity to work at the heart of policy making, where your expertise will help shape outcomes that matter for Aotearoa.

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

Tāu e whai ai | What you will get in return

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

Te Puni Kōkiri | Ministry of Māori Development

Te Puni Kōkiri is committed to our vision of 'Whānau Taurikura' - 'Thriving Whānau'. We consider that when whānau are thriving, so do their communities, hapū, iwi and all of Aotearoa. This underpins everything we do. 

Our people are at the heart of achieving this vision and it is our people who contribute to supporting Māori collective success. They do this by creating and maintaining relationships with iwi, hapū and whānau Māori and government at both a local and national level. It is this that enables Māori participation and success as Māori, and it is our people who will create a future where all whānau can thrive.  

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 akiākina koe kia tukuna mai tō tononga i tēnei rangi tonu, kia whakapāngia rānei tētahi Ringa Taritari e kōrero ai mō ngā painga o tēnei whai wāhitanga, me tōna hāngai ki ō whāinga ā-umanga. Nau mai rā ko ngā tononga i te reo Māori, te reo Pākehā, te reorua rānei.

We encourage you to apply today or get in touch with one of our Recruitment Partners to discuss how this great opportunity will fit with your career goals. We welcome applications in te reo Māori, English, or both.

Tukuna mai tau tono ā-ipurangi | Please submit your application online.

Īmēratia vacancy@tpk.govt.nz me he pātai āu | Please 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

Ka aukati ngā tono hei te Rātapu 18 Kohitātea ā te 11.55pm | Applications close on Sunday 18 January at 11.55pm.