Advisor - Ministerial Services

New Zealand Transport Agency; 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 permanent ministerial services adviser based in Wellington. The role delivers high-quality timely advice to Ministers, senior leaders, and staff, drafting responses to official requests and managing information under the OIA and Privacy Act.

You will contribute to the machinery of government, maintain high standards, and work with multiple stakeholders. NZTA offers strong benefits and a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of machinery of government; understanding of the OIA and Privacy Act.
• Strong research and analytical skills; excellent written and oral communication.
• Ability to deliver high-quality ministerial responses under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide ministerial and parliamentary expertise to deliver timely advice and services to Ministers and staff across NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).
• Manage and draft responses to official ministerial and parliamentary requests for information on behalf of NZTA.

Skills

Machinery of government knowledge

Research and analytical skills

Written and oral communication

Attention to detail

Working under pressure

Judgement and risk management

Relationship management

Teamwork / independence

Te Ao Māori understanding

Te Tiriti o Waitangi appreciation

Job description

Permanent opportunity based in Wellington

Deliver high-quality ministerial advice

Contribute towards the future of our transport system

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

• 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

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.

Ko wai mātou

At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, 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. Waka Kotahi 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.

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.

We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.