Principal Advisor, Iwi and Māori Relations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

In-house te reo Māori training

Childcare allowances

Optical and te reo Māori proficiency

Job summary

Te Puni Kōkiri is seeking an experienced Aporei | Principal Advisor to provide strategic leadership and trusted advice across the organisation. Based in Wellington, you will foster strong relationships with iwi, Crown agencies, and other stakeholders to support the delivery of priorities and outcomes for whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori communities.

The role offers a meaningful opportunity to influence policy and engagement, prepare briefings for Ministers and senior leaders, and mentor junior staff

Job description

Principal Advisor – Iwi and Māori Relations

Develop frameworks that strengthen Māori–Crown engagement and relationships Shape positive outcomes for whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori communities Based in Te Tari Matua | National Office, Pōneke | Wellington Our Iwi and Māori Relations tīma 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. Tewhaiwāhitanga | The opportunity

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to Māori development through strong relationships, collaboration, and strategic thinking. As Principal Advisor, Iwi and Māori 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 whānau, hapū, iwi, and Māori 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.

Mōu | About you

• Success 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 Māori environment, together with an understanding of TeTiritioWaitangi and its significance from both Māori and Crown perspectives, will be important.
• Sound knowledge of government, public sector, and political processes is also required.
• Competency in te reo Māori, or a willingness to learn, along with an understanding of TePuniKōkiri's strategic direction, privacy obligations, and relevant legislative requirements, will support success in this role.

Tāu e whai ai | What you will get in return

TePuniKōkiri 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 TeWero,Manaakitanga,HeToaTakitiniandTureTangata. 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, including:

• A range of allowances including childcare, optical and te reo Māori proficiency
• Medical insurance discounts
• Flexible working options
• In house te reo Māori training
• Kaimahi development and career options

Te Puni Kōkiri | Ministry of Māori Development

We are committed to our vision of 'Thriving Whānau' - when whānau are thriving, so do their communities, hapū, iwi and all of Aotearoa. TePuniKōkiri leads policy advice to the Government on Māori development, and Iwi and Māori 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 Māori, and to drive our efforts to build an Aotearoa where whānau can all stand, thrive and belong. Find out more about Our Story

We 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 Māori aspirations and well‑being.

Applications close on Sunday, 6th September at 11.55pm.