Principal Advisor Fraud and Integrity

Oranga Tamariki; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 126,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki, the Ministry for Children, is seeking a Principal Advisor Fraud & Integrity based in Wellington. The role offers strategic leadership, expert advice, and oversight of fraud and integrity activities across the organisation.

Hybrid working with Wellington office and flexible WFH options, engaging with senior leaders to drive positive outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi. The position emphasizes investigations, governance, risk management, and cross-cultural practice, supporting a

Qualifications

• Significant experience in fraud, investigations, integrity, assurance, or risk management.
• Proven ability to lead complex and sensitive investigations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Experience developing frameworks, policies, and organisational capability.
• Sound judgement, analytical thinking, and ability to navigate complex environments.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices, including tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of fraud and integrity activities across the organisation.
• Lead complex investigations in collaboration with senior leaders.
• Strengthen fraud and integrity frameworks and identify emerging risks.
• Foster a culture where integrity is embedded in everyday decision-making.

Skills

Fraud investigations

Integrity governance

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Cross-cultural awareness

Job description

• High-profile advisory role with regular engagement across senior leadership.
• Meaningful work that contributes to better outcomes for New Zealanders.
• Collaborative and values-driven environment.

Integrity, trust, and accountability sit at the heart of effective public service. We're seeking an experienced Principal Advisor Fraud & Integrity to provide strategic leadership, expert advice, and oversight of fraud and integrity activities across the organisation.

Working closely with senior leaders, you'll lead complex investigations, strengthen fraud and integrity frameworks, identify emerging risks, and help foster a culture where integrity is embedded in everyday decision-making

Wellington based only. Permanent fulltime role.

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga| About the role

Integrity, trust, and accountability sit at the heart of effective public service. We're seeking an experienced Principal Advisor Fraud & Integrity to provide strategic leadership, expert advice, and oversight of fraud and integrity activities across the organisation.

Working closely with senior leaders, you'll lead complex investigations, strengthen fraud and integrity frameworks, identify emerging risks, and help foster a culture where integrity is embedded in everyday decision-making

Hybrid working arrangements – office based in Wellington with flexible WFH options

Key requirements of the role include:

• Significant experience in fraud, investigations, integrity, assurance, or risk management.
• Proven ability to lead complex and sensitive investigations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Experience developing frameworks, policies, and organisational capability.
• Sound judgement, analytical thinking, and the ability to navigate complex environments
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between 125,926 and 139,459 dependent on experience.

We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

Applications for this role close at midnight on 5th November 2026

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.