National Director Disability at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• An experienced and respected leader with a deep understanding of disability in Aotearoa and the children's system.
• Pivotal role to strengthen the Ministry's disability response for the benefit of disabled tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and their champions.
• Permanent role based in Wellington.

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The National Director Disability is a critical disability leadership role for Oranga Tamariki, reporting to the General Manager Voices. This role is responsible for leading out on an organisation-wide programme of work to ensure the voices of disabled tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and their champions are heard and their needs and experiences shape policy, practices, services and resource allocation.

Oranga Tamariki developed a Disability Strategy in 2022-23 through extensive engagement with the disability community, including tāngata whaikaha Māori, Pacific disabled people and care experienced young people, as well as iwi and whānau. The implementation of this strategy through the Disability Programme is an organisation-wide responsibility requiring strong disability leadership.

Working closely with operational disability leaders, the National Director Disability will help ensure the needs and rights of disabled tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and their champions are upheld, through organisation and system advocacy, and providing leadership to the National Office Disability Team and the Disability Programme. 

You will directly lead a small team to provide advice and recommendations on policy, strategic and operational disability matters across the Ministry, leading and fostering joined-up and disability-competent practices and services to better support disabled tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau. You will help ensure the Ministry is delivering on commitments made through its Disability Strategy and that the voices of disabled tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau are at the centre of this.

We value lived experience of disability and this would be welcomed alongside the capabilities listed in the position description.  

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include: 

• A strong and respected leader with deep knowledge and experience (lived or learned) of disability and the children's system and different perspectives and models of disability.
• Experience of leading transformational change in a constrained environment, leading to a culture of continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain key relationships at senior levels within the Ministry, disability and children’s systems to enhance understanding and cooperation to achieve desired results.
• Lead the implementation of the Disability Strategy and Programme, leveraging off the existing operating model and teams.  

• Provide leadership and management of the Disability Team and ensure connection and alignment on disability matters occurs with other teams throughout the organisation.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Disability Programme, including delivery, benefits, risk and financial monitoring and reporting.
• Identify, coach, and develop high performing people and teams.

• Ability to communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences and build and maintain rapport with others.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' cultures.

In addition to the above key requirements, the following attributes will be desirable:

• Knowledge, understanding and ability to work with and respond to the diverse needs, experiences and views of tamariki, rangatahi, parents and caregivers that Oranga Tamariki interact with. 
• Demonstrates a clear and genuine connection to the disability community through personal lived experience, community involvement, cultural background, or professional/voluntary work.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. 

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Me pēhea te tuku tono  | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

Internal secondment opportunities may be considered. If you are interested in a secondment to this role, please discuss with your direct manager or People and Performance Partner first.

Oranga Tamariki is committed to making the recruitment process accessible and equitable. Support may include:

• NZSL interpreters.
• Assistance for mobility and transport needs.
• Accessible meeting spaces and online options.
• Adjustments to the application or interview process on request.

If you have any questions about role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

Hurry as applications for this role close at 5pm on Sunday 1 February 2026.

However, we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now!

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.