Principal Advisor, Iwi and M ori Relations

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington; On-site; NZD 124,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare allowance

Medical insurance discount

Flexible working options

Te reo Māori training

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Te Puni Kōkiri | Ministry of Māori Development seeks an experienced Principal Advisor to strengthen Māori Crown engagement and relationships. Based in Te Tari Matua, National Office, Wellington, you will lead and advise on iwi and Māori relations, drive key priorities, and support outcomes for whānau, hapū, and iwi across Aotearoa.

You will prepare briefs for Ministers and senior leaders, while mentoring the team and fostering cross-agency collaboration.

Qualifications

• Experience providing trusted strategic advice to senior stakeholders.
• Ability to build strong relationships across organisations and with iwi/Māori stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal briefing and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and trusted advice across the organisation.
• Lead strategic projects and engage with iwi, Crown agencies and other stakeholders.
• Prepare and review Ministerial and Chief Executive briefings and reports.
• Mentor junior team members and support delivery of priorities and outcomes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Policy briefing

Job description

Develop frameworks that strengthen M oriCrown engagement and relationshipsShape positive outcomes for wh nau, hapu, iwi and M ori communitiesBased in Te Tari Matua | National Office, Poneke | WellingtonOur Iwi and M ori Relations tima is seeking an experienced Aporei | Principal Advisor to provide strategic leadership and trusted advice across the organisation. This role is responsible for fostering strong relationships, enabling informed decision-making, driving organisational alignment, and supporting the successful delivery of key priorities and outcomes.Te whai w hitanga | The opportunityThis role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to M ori development through strong relationships, collaboration, and strategic thinking. As Principal Advisor, Iwi and M ori Relations, you will provide trusted advice, support key forums and accords, lead strategic kaupapa and projects, and contribute to engagement across iwi, Crown agencies, and other stakeholders. You will also prepare and review Ministerial and Chief Executive briefings, while mentoring junior team members and helping drive positive outcomes for wh nau, hapu, iwi, and M ori communities across Aotearoa.The likely appointment range is $124,242 - $138,046, based on skills and experience.For more information about the skills and experience required for this position, please see the job description below.Mou | About youSuccess in this role will come from being an experienced advisor who can work with initiative and sound judgement while building strong relationships and supporting the growth of others. The role requires well-developed analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex and sometimes ambiguous issues, balance risks and opportunities, and develop practical solutions.A proven ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbally is essential to succeed in this role. Along with the ability to prepare high-quality advice, briefings, and reports for a range of audiences, including senior leaders and Ministers. Key part of this role is the ability to influence, collaborate, and build trusted relationships across organisations and stakeholder groups.A high level of comfort working in a te ao M ori environment, together with an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its significance from both M ori and Crown perspectives, will be important. Sound knowledge of government, public sector, and political processes is also required. Competency in te reo M ori, or a willingness to learn, along with an understanding of Te Puni Kokiri's strategic direction, privacy obligations, and relevant legislative requirements, will support success in this role.T u e whai ai | What you will get in returnTe Puni Kokiri 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 wh nau is just as important as you, so we're committed to providing incentives and opportunities that help our kaimahi and their wh nau to thrive, including:A range of allowances including childcare, optical and te reo M ori proficiencyMedical insurance discountsFlexible working optionsIn house te reo M ori trainingKaimahi development and career optionsTe Puni Kokiri | Ministry of M ori DevelopmentWe are committed to our vision of 'Thriving Wh nau' - when wh nau are thriving, so do their communities, hapu, iwi and all of Aotearoa. Te Puni Kokiri leads policy advice to the Government on M ori development, and Iwi and M ori relations with the Crown. Our people are at the heart of the work we do using our approaches to improve outcomes to, for and with M ori, and to drive our efforts to build an Aotearoa where wh nau can all stand, thrive and belong.Find out more about Our StoryWe invite applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We believe that diversity fuels innovation and enriches our collective strength. Your unique perspectives, skills, and heritage contribute to our mission of advancing M ori aspirations and well-being.Tono mai | Apply Now!Ka aukati ng tono hei te R tapu, 6th Hepetema 2026 te 11.55pm | Applications close on Sunday, 6th September at 11.55pm.Tukuna mai tau tono -ipurangi | Please submit your application online.Nau mai r ko ng tononga i te reo M ori, te reo P keh , te reorua r nei | We welcome applications in te reo M ori, English, or both.Imeratia [e-mail] me he p tai u | Email [e-mail] with any p tai.