Aporei, Te Ahunga | Principal Advisor, Communications at Te Puni Kōkiri - Ministry of Māori Development, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Our Strategy & Communications tīma is looking for a Aporei, Te Ahunga | Principal Advisor, Communications. Reporting to the Manager, Strategy & Communications, this position plays a key role in strengthening engagement and impact with Māori, the Public Sector, Media and Government by providing leadership in the area of communications.

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 

Our Principal Advisor, Communications role presents a unique opportunity to leverage your skills and experience to influence and support Māori development. It’s an exciting time to join us in this space as you will play a leading role in refreshing and shaping our work programme and our approach to communications.

You will work closely with the Manager, Strategy & Communications and the wider tīma to ensure communications effectively promote the Ministry’s reputation and achievements. The role supports both internal and external communications, working collaboratively with Policy and Regions staff to understand demand and help set priorities.

The likely appointment range is $123,317 - $137,018 based on skills and experience. The full grade for this role is $123,317 - $164,423 with a mid-point of $137,018.

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 bring previous public service communication experience at a Principal Advisor level and be confident working in a kaupapa Māori environment. Ideally, you will also have experience working with a Minister’s office and senior stakeholders, as well as capability in speech writing and coaching and mentoring staff.

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  

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

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 15 Poutūterangi 2026 ā te 11.55pm | Applications close on Sunday 15 March 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