Principal Advisor Regulatory System Design

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Wellington; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking a Principal Advisor Regulatory System Design to join Te Rōpū Waeture – Regulatory. You will lead system-level regulatory interventions that improve safety outcomes across New Zealand's land transport.

Based in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch or Palmerston North, you will partner with the Manager to shape regulatory practice, advise senior leaders and drive cohesive, evidence-based interventions across the sector.

Qualifications

• Experience in regulatory system design and leading system-level interventions.
• Strong understanding of modern regulatory systems and frameworks.
• Proven project management skills coordinating multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to use data and analysis to inform decision-making and prioritise interventions.
• Advanced strategic and analytical thinking.
• Excellent communication to senior decision-makers.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Ability to coach others to build capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and design complex system-level regulatory interventions that improve effectiveness, coherence and safety.
• Provide thought leadership on development and implementation of organisational responses to complex risks.
• Influence regulatory practice and decision-making across the organisation and wider system.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, good practice system design and continuous improvement.
• Use data and insights to understand regulatory framework and system performance.

Skills

Regulatory system design

System-level interventions

Data-driven decision making

Project management

Strategic thinking

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Coaching others

Job description

• Shape system level regulatory interventions and influence high impact decisions that improve safety outcomes for New Zealanders.
• Permanent, full-time role.
• Based in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch or Palmerston North.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We have an opportunity for a Principal Advisor Regulatory System Design to join Te Rōpū Waeture – Regulatory in a high-performing team responsible for shaping the future of New Zealand’s land transport regulatory system.

In this role, you will be part of a team responsible for designing system-level regulatory interventions that improve the safety and performance of the system. You will work closely with the Manager Regulatory System Design to provide strategic leadership and expert advice while influencing regulatory practice across the organisation and broader land transport system.

This Is a Key Leadership Role Where You’ll

• Use data, evidence, insights and analysis to understand regulatory framework and system performance, and complex emerging regulatory risks and issues
• Lead and design complex system-level regulatory interventions that improve the effectiveness, coherence and safety outcomes of the land transport system
• Provide thought leadership and advice on the development, design and implementation of organisational-wide responses to complex and systemic issues and risks
• Influence regulatory practice and decision-making across the organisation and wider regulatory system
• Foster a culture of collaboration, good practice system design and continuous improvement.

You will find out more about the role here

Ko koe tēnei | About you

Our ideal candidate will have some or all of the following:

• Demonstrated expertise in regulatory system design, including leading work to identify and design system level interventions that align with strategic intent
• Deep understanding of modern regulatory systems and frameworks
• Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to coordinate work across a range of stakeholders effectively and deliver in a timely manner
• Proven ability to use data, insights and analysis to understand system performance, inform decision-making and prioritise regulatory interventionsAdvanced strategic and analytical thinking skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, providing well-judged advice to support senior decision-making
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with experience navigating complex environments
• Ability to support and coach others to build capability.

You will also demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to build understanding of Te Ao Māori, tikanga, and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the public sector.

Ko wai mātou | About us

NZTA is responsible for delivering a safe, efficient and effective land transport system for Aotearoa.

Te Rōpū Waeture – Regulatory plays a critical role as the lead regulator for land transport – taking a system wide, risk-based approach to improving safety outcomes and reducing harm. This includes designing and continuously improving regulatory frameworks that are evidence based, proportionate, and responsive to the needs of the sector.

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

We care about our people and invest in supporting our staff at NZTA. If you join us, you can expect:

• A supportive working environment
• Flexible working options
• A competitive salary package, aligned with your skills and experience
• 5 weeks annual leave and other great benefits.

Ready to take the next step in your career? We’d love to hear from you

Rā Katinga | Applications close: 5 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.