Principal Data and AI Governance Advisor

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency; Wellington, Auckland, Palmerston North; Remote; NZD 148,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Life, Income Protection and Critical

Insurance for permanent employees

Job summary

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency seeks a Principal Data & AI Governance Advisor to set the enterprise governance strategy and lead the way in responsible innovation across NZTA. You will shape policies, ownership, stewardship and oversight for data and AI, embedding Māori data sovereignty and partnering with senior leaders.

This role influences major programmes and platforms, building robust governance settings that are practical, scalable and trusted.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Set the 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.

Skills

Data governance

Enterprise governance

Privacy & security

Māori data sovereignty

Stakeholder influence

Risk management

Data stewardship

Metadata & lineage

Governance tooling

AI governance

Tools

Governance tooling

Job description

## Principal Data and AI Governance AdvisorApply: Auckland: Wellington: Palmerston North: Full time: Posted 2 Days Ago: End Date: October 8, 2026 (9 days left to apply): JR-0000013364* 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.**Te Whiwhinga mahi | 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.You’ll have the opportunity to:* 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 toolsThis is a highly influential role where you’ll work across technology, business, risk, privacy, legal and delivery functions. You’ll build trusted relationships with senior leaders, bring clarity to complex challenges and create governance settings that are robust, practical and sustainable.View the Position Description. Appointment salary is from $148,480 to $175,580 commensurate with skills and experience.**Ko koe tēnei | 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**Mō mātou | 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.**Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | 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. **Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply**Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. **Rā Katinga | Applications close:**7 October 2026For further information, email: [e-mail] 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.**Ko wai mātou | About us** At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. Waka Kotahi has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years time.