Advisor - Ministerial Services

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Wellington; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Marram Trust holiday homes

Subsidised health insurance

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking a Ministerial Advisor to provide expert knowledge and timely advice to Ministers, senior leaders, and staff. You will manage and draft responses to official and parliamentary requests, contributing to NZTA's guidance and service delivery.

Applicant should have thorough understanding of the machinery of government, strong research skills, and excellent written and verbal communication.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of machinery of government and understanding of the OIA and Privacy Act.
• Developed research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills – including plain English writing.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
• Ability to manage demanding workloads and competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide ministerial and parliamentary expertise and deliver high quality timely advice.
• Manage and draft responses to official, ministerial and parliamentary information requests on behalf of NZTA.

Skills

Machinery of Government

OIA & Privacy Act

Research skills

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Oral communication

Attention to detail

Work under pressure

Job description

• Permanent opportunity based in Wellington
• Deliver high-quality ministerial advice
• Contribute towards the future of our transport system

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

The purpose of this role is to provide ministerial and parliamentary expertise and technical knowledge that delivers high quality timely advice and services to Ministers, senior leaders and staff across NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). This includes managing and drafting responses to all official, ministerial and parliamentary requests for information on behalf of NZTA.

View the Position Description.

Appointment base salary is from $80,000 to $93,000, commensurate with skills and experience.

Ko koetēnei | About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Knowledge of the machinery of government and an understanding of the OIA and Privacy Act;
• Developed research and analytical skills;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills – including experience in writing in plain English;
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining consistently high standards;
• Ability to work under pressure without compromising quality, including managing demanding workloads and competing priorities;
• Sound judgement and ability to manage risk appropriately;
• Good relationship management and negotiation skills;
• Ability to function independently and as part of a team; and
• Knowledge of or experience working/communicating with the office of a Minister.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.

Ko wai mātou | About us

At NZTA, it all starts with our people. The organisation’s performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. NZTA has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years time.

Te Waka Kōtuia Engagement and Partnerships Group is accountable for navigating NZTA’s journey by building strong relationships with all stakeholders, telling great stories to achieve outcomes and change and managing our reputation.

Ministerial Services works with other NZTA business units to meet the organisation’s ministerial servicing and legislative requirements. We are the key interface between the Minister of Transport and Associate Minister, members of the public, and other government organisations, responsible for maintaining NZTA’s reputation by ensuring that work is of the highest quality, within the required timeframes and meets the needs of our customers. We are the experts in providing advice and support to the wider organisation on machinery of government and parliamentary processes.

Along with our other benefits we also offer 5 weeks annual leave, access to Marram Trust holiday homes, and subsidised health insurance.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

17 November 2026

For further information, email: [e-mail]

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.