Principal Data and AI Governance Advisor

New Zealand Government Joba; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 148,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Life, Income Protection and Critical I

Insurance for permanent employees

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is seeking a Principal Data & AI Governance Advisor to set enterprise strategy and governance frameworks across the organisation. Based in Wellington, Auckland or Palmerston North with flexible locations, you’ll influence senior decision-makers and embed Māori data sovereignty for responsible innovation.

You will lead governance policy development, data ownership & stewardship, and ensure ethical, trusted use of Data & AI across major programmes and

Qualifications

• Experience leading Data Governance or Data & AI Governance in a complex organisation.
• Experience developing and embedding enterprise governance strategies, frameworks and operating models.
• Strong knowledge of responsible AI, data stewardship, metadata, lineage and data quality.
• Understanding of privacy, security, compliance, assurance and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Create NZTA's enterprise Data & AI Governance strategy and target state.
• Shape policies, standards, controls and operating models enabling responsible innovation.
• Establish clear accountability for data ownership, stewardship and AI oversight.
• Embed Māori data sovereignty principles into governance frameworks and decision-making.
• Influence major programmes, platforms and AI-enabled initiatives.
• Strengthen governance maturity, assurance, risk management and capability.
• Guide selection and improvement of enterprise governance tools.

Skills

Data & AI governance leadership

Enterprise governance strategy

Responsible AI & data stewardship

Privacy, security & risk management

Executive stakeholder influence

Governance forums & accountability

Governance tooling & monitoring

Māori data sovereignty collaboration

Tools

Governance tools

Job description

Shape how Data & AI is governed across NZTA. Enable responsible innovation while protecting trust and public confidence. Influence enterprise decisions and build lasting governance capability.

Permanent, full-time position, based in Wellington, Auckland or Palmerston North (other NZTA locations considered). Bring your Data & AI governance expertise to a role where you can shape strategy, influence at the highest levels and create an organisation-wide approach that enables innovation while establishing the frameworks and guardrails to support the responsible, ethical and trusted use of Data & AI.

The opportunity

At NZTA, Data & AI play an increasingly important role in improving services, supporting decision-making and delivering better outcomes for New Zealand. As our Principal Data & AI Governance Advisor, you’ll be the enterprise authority for Data & AI governance at NZTA. You’ll set the strategic direction, develop practical governance frameworks and help the organisation use Data & AI confidently, safely and effectively.

• Create NZTA's enterprise Data & AI Governance strategy and target state
• Shape policies, standards, controls and operating models that enable responsible innovation
• Establish clear accountability for data ownership, stewardship and AI oversight
• Embed Māori data sovereignty principles into governance frameworks and decision-making
• Influence major programmes, platforms, digital products and AI-enabled initiatives
• Strengthen governance maturity, assurance, risk management and organisational capability
• Guide the selection and continued improvement of enterprise governance tools

About you

You see good governance as an enabler rather than a barrier, and you know how to translate complex risk, regulatory and ethical requirements into practical approaches that support better decisions and responsible innovation. You’ll be comfortable working at enterprise level, navigating ambiguity and influencing senior stakeholders. Just as importantly, you’ll bring people together around a shared direction and help build governance practices that work in the real world.

Ideally, you will bring:

• Significant experience leading Data Governance or Data & AI Governance in a complex organisation
• Experience developing and embedding enterprise governance strategies, frameworks and operating models
• Strong knowledge of responsible AI, data stewardship, metadata, lineage and data quality
• A sound understanding of privacy, security, compliance, assurance and risk management
• Proven ability to influence executive stakeholders and drive organisation-wide change
• Experience establishing governance forums and accountability for data ownership and stewardship
• Strong capability across governance tooling, controls, monitoring and reporting
• Experience working with Māori data sovereignty principles
• Excellent strategic judgement, systems thinking and relationship-management skills

About us

At NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) our purpose is transport networks that deliver for people, places and New Zealand. Our Te Aukaha - Digital group helps enable that by providing modern, fit-for-purpose digital, information, and technology services for our people, partners, and customers. We are future-focused, collaborative, and committed to creating better outcomes for Aotearoa.

What you'll get in return

We offer a comprehensive rewards package including:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Flexible working arrangements.
• a free Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness insurance scheme available for permanent employees.

Appointment salary is from $148,480 to $175,580 commensurate with skills and experience.

Applications close:7 October 2026

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

NZTA| 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.