Principal Advisor Regulatory Framework

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Auckland; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Flexible working arrangements

5 weeks annual leave

Income Protection

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking two Principal Advisor roles to lead the design and delivery of regulatory frameworks, products and interventions that translate legislation into practical solutions. You will work with operational teams and subject matter experts to strengthen system performance and safety across New Zealand’s land transport.

You will translate policy intent into regulatory products, provide leadership, and mentor senior advisors while partnering with legal, design and

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in regulatory environments translating policy into operational guidance.
• Ability to lead design of regulatory frameworks and interventions.
• Strong judgement, analytical thinking and risk awareness.
• Excellent stakeholder relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned work packages, supporting planning, design, implementation and commissioning activities across the team.
• Translate defined system design, policy intent and legislative requirements into clear, practical regulatory products and interventions.
• Lead the design and refinement of regulatory frameworks, tools and guidance using agreed best‑practice approaches and quality standards.
• Produce clear, consistent and accessible documentation, guidance and regulatory products that support understanding and compliance.
• Build effective working relationships across design, operational, legal and enabling teams to support integrated and implementable solutions.
• Provide peer review and quality assurance support across team products, lifting clarity, consistency and usability.
• Act as a technical leader, coaching and mentoring senior advisors and advisors to lift capability across the team.

Skills

Regulatory strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Policy translation

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Risk assessment

Job description

• Turn ideas into action by working alongside operational teams and experts to translate legislation and policy into practical regulatory solutions.
• Make a real impact by shaping the regulatory frameworks and tools that help keep New Zealand's transport system safe and effective.
• Wellington/Christchurch/Auckland/Palmerston North

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We have two Principal Advisor opportunities in our team, in these key roles you will lead the design and delivery of regulatory frameworks, products and interventions that bring legislation and strategy to life. Working closely with operational teams and subject matter experts, you'll translate policy intent into practical, fit-for-purpose regulatory solutions that strengthen system performance, improve safety outcomes, and reduce harm across New Zealand's land transport system.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Lead assigned work packages, supporting planning, design, implementation and commissioning activities across the team.
• Translate defined system design, policy intent and legislative requirements into clear, practical regulatory products and interventions that can be consistently applied in practice.
• Lead the design and refinement of regulatory frameworks, tools and guidance using agreed best‑practice approaches and quality standards.
• Produce clear, consistent and accessible documentation, guidance and regulatory products that support understanding and compliance.
• Build effective working relationships across design, operational, legal and enabling teams to support integrated and implementable solutions.
• Provide peer review and quality assurance support across team products, lifting clarity, consistency and usability.
• Act as a technical leader, coaching and mentoring senior advisors and advisors to lift capability across the team.

You will find out more about the role here

Ko koe tōnei | About you

You'll bring extensive experience in regulatory environments, with the ability to provide clear, practical advice and translate complex issues into Operational Policy, Guidance and the like. Strong judgement, analytical thinking and risk awareness will enable you to navigate ambiguity and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced setting.

A skilled relationship builder and communicator, you'll confidently engage and influence stakeholders at all levels. Highly organised, adaptable and collaborative, you'll thrive in a dynamic environment, balancing competing priorities while contributing to a high-performing team culture and supporting the development of others.

Mŋ mŋtou | About us

Te Rŋpu Waeture – Regulatory - We help ensure the land transport system is safe, fair and well regulated.

We use a wide range of activities and tools - including monitoring, education, engagement and enforcement, to ensure that people, vehicles and transport operators meet the standards required to keep New Zealand moving safely and efficiently.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you’ll get in return

At NZTA, you’ll be part of an organisation that makes a visible difference every day. We offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Flexible working arrangements (role dependent)
• 5 weeks annual leave, plus Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance
• The opportunity to lead a nationally significant operation that directly impacts millions of New Zealanders

Ready to take on the challenge?

If you’re motivated by pace, complexity, and real-world impact, and you enjoy leading teams through demanding operational environments, we’d love to hear from you.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

12 October 2026

For further information, email: [e-mail]

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.