Kaitohutohu | Advisor, Rotorua

New Zealand Government; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 77,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare allowance

Medical insurance discounts

Flexible working

Te reo Māori training

Career development and study support

Enhanced parental leave

Job summary

Te Puni Kōkiri in Rotorua seeks a Kaitohutohu | Advisor to work with Māori communities, iwi, hapū, and local partners to identify opportunities for sustainable regional growth. You will use data insights to shape initiatives and advise decision-makers on economic and social development outcomes.

The role emphasizes collaboration, strong communication, and Te Ao Māori knowledge, with a focus on delivering meaningful impact for Waiariki and whānau.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and critical thinking capabilities.
• Ability to identify trends and opportunities from data and insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Collaborative approach and ability to contribute ideas.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Māori communities, iwi, hapū, and local organisations to identify opportunities for regional growth.
• Turn data insights into practical policy advice and actionable recommendations.
• Support informed decision-making to improve outcomes for Māori communities across Waiariki.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders to foster partnerships and drive sustainable development.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data trend analysis

Communication skills

Stakeholder relationships

Collaboration

Māori language knowledge

Māori development understanding

Job description

Our Regions tīma is looking for a Kaitohutohu | Advisor based in Rotorua. This role reports to the Manukura | Team Leader, Rotorua and is a full-time, permanent opportunity. Imagine a role where your work directly contributes to the future prosperity of Māori communities, while living in one of Aotearoa's most beautiful regions. At Te Puni Kōkiri, we're looking for a passionate and relationship-focused Kaitohutohu | Advisor to join our Rotorua tīma and help drive long-term economic and social development outcomes across Waiariki rohe, mai i Maketu ki Tongariro. Rotorua is a region rich in culture, opportunity, and potential. There is significant momentum behind initiatives that support whānau, hapū, iwi, and Māori enterprises to thrive. This is your opportunity to be part of meaningful change, helping turn ideas into action and insights into impact.

Te whai wāhitanga | The opportunity

As a Kaitohutohu | Advisor, you'll work alongside Māori communities, iwi, hapū, local organisations, businesses, and government agencies to identify opportunities that support sustainable regional growth and development. If you enjoy working with data, uncovering trends, and turning numbers into meaningful stories, you'll use those insights to help shape initiatives that strengthen economic participation, build capability, and create positive outcomes for Māori across Waiariki. No two days are the same. You'll combine data, community intelligence, and relationship‑building to provide advice that supports informed decision‑making and contributes to the long‑term prosperity of the region. You'll join a supportive and future‑focused team that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Whether you’re looking to further develop your analytical and advisory skills or deepen your understanding of Māori development, you’ll be supported by experienced colleagues who are passionate about making a difference.

The likely appointment range is $76 785 - $85 316, based on skills and experience. The full grade for this role is $76 785 - $102 379 with a mid‑point of $85 316. For more information about the skills and experience required for this position, please see the job description below.

Mōu | About you

We're looking for someone who is naturally curious, enjoys solving problems, and can turn information into clear, practical advice.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• The ability to identify trends and opportunities from data and insights
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders
• A collaborative approach and desire to contribute fresh ideas
• An understanding of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for Māori communities

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.

• 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 welcome applications in te reo Māori, English, or both.

This role is advertised to current kaimahi only.

Please email [e-mail] 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: [e-mail].