Principal Adviser, Water

New Zealand Government; Auckland; On-site; NZD 164,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver employer contribution

Flexible working options

Job summary

The New Zealand Government is seeking a Principal Adviser to lead the Water Regulation Team within the Infrastructure Regulation branch. This permanent role can be based in Auckland or Wellington and focuses on strategic and technical leadership for the Local Water Done Well regime, coordinating with ministries, regulators and stakeholders to deliver high-quality regulatory outcomes.

You will guide complex regulatory work, strengthen transparency and accountability for water service providers,

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex projects in an evolving regulatory environment.
• Demonstrates technical leadership and strategic thinking in regulatory work.
• Ability to distill complex issues into clear, actionable advice for stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Willing to roll up sleeves and contribute to delivery.
• Postgraduate degree (or equivalent) in Commerce, Law, Economics, or Engineering.
• Knowledge of NZ local government and/or water sectors is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for the Local Water Done Well regime.
• Lead complex regulatory work programmes and monitoring/oversight approaches.
• Engage with ministries, regulators and stakeholders to enable transparent, accountable water regulation.

Skills

Technical leadership

Regulatory leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Coaching and mentoring

Education

Postgraduate degree in Commerce/Law/Economics/Engineering

Job description

We're looking for a Principal Adviser to join the Water Regulation Team in our Infrastructure Regulation branch. This is a permanent opportunity based in either our Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) or Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) office. Mō te tūnga | About the role As a Principal Adviser, you'll provide strategic and technical leadership in the development and implementation of the Local Water Done Well (LWDW) regime. You'll work closely with the Head of Water and engage with ministries, regulators and stakeholders to provide high-quality advice and support effective regulatory outcomes. Your work could include leading the Commission's enhanced regulatory oversight of Tiaki Wai and supporting the evolution of water regulation across New Zealand. You will lead complex regulatory work programmes, developing monitoring and oversight approaches that strengthen transparency, accountability and independent scrutiny of water service providers' performance and investment decisions. This includes ensuring major infrastructure investment is evidence-based, delivers value for money for consumers, and contributes to better, more reliable water services over time. This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of water regulation in New Zealand. The regime is designed to be flexible and proportionate, giving us a broad range of regulatory tools and flexibility in how we apply them, in a sector that is evolving. Join a purpose-driven team committed to making a difference, who are ready to tackle challenging work alongside great people. In addition to leading complex projects, you'll be willing to roll up your sleeves and contribute to delivery yourself. The indicative salary range for this role is $164,024 - $192,969 plus 3.5% KiwiSaver employer contribution. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects their individual skills, experience, and internal relativities across the organisation. Read more about the skills, experience and knowledge required for this position in the position description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

• Brings experience of technical leadership of complex projects in an evolving regulatory environment (at a regulator or in a regulated sector)
• Demonstrates technical excellence and leadership in their field
• Can distil complex issues into clear advice for stakeholders and decision-makers
• Is prepared to question the status quo and explore new ways of working where improvements can be made
• Is practical and pragmatic, able to identify material issues and focus on what matters most
• Thrives in dynamic, uncertain environments and can innovate
• Enjoys sharing their knowledge and expertise through coaching and mentoring
• Holds a postgraduate degree (or equivalent experience) in Commerce, Law, Economics, or Engineering
• Knowledge of the New Zealand local government and/or water sectors would be an advantage

We’re friendly and collaborative and enjoy contributing to our shared vision of making New Zealanders better off and are committed to our people's wellbeing. Our flexible working options are key to supporting that goal and our people have the technology they need to make it happen. Our environment is inclusive, and our people know they are free to be their authentic selves at work and structure the way they work to suit their lifestyle.

For any queries, contact Liz Martin on [e-mail].

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 6 October 2026.

Our recruitment process is fair, inclusive and free from bias. We encourage applicants to let us know if we can make it more user-friendly for them. We value diverse perspectives and the contribution every one of our people makes to our culture. Put simply - you can be yourself here.