Senior Adviser Taonga Tūturu

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 113,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry for Culture & Heritage in Wellington is seeking an experienced Senior Adviser to join the Māori Crown Partnerships team to support taonga tūturu care, conservation and repatriation arrangements under the Protected Objects Act 1975. The role focuses on project coordination, governance reporting and stakeholder engagement to deliver the Rekohu | Chatham Islands Waka Project.

The fixed-term appointment requires cultural awareness, professionalism and the ability to engage with iwi Māori,

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating complex projects and stakeholder reporting to governance papers.
• Knowledge of heritage conservation activities or services is desirable.
• Able to engage with imi Moriori, iwi Māori and cultural sector stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating project logistics and supporting day-to-day operations
• Preparing and coordinating reporting, governance papers, briefings, aide-mémoires and status updates
• Monitoring project progress and identifying risks and issues
• Supporting engagement and collaboration across a range of internal and external stakeholders
• It would be desirable to have experience in heritage conservation activities and services

Job description

Pou Tohu Matua Taonga Tūturu | Senior Adviser Taonga Tūturu [TP0524]Fulltime / Fixed term to June 2027Wellington Salary Range $112,646 - $130,434 Ki te puāwai te ahurea, Ka ora te iwi If culture is thriving, the people will be well We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Adviser to join our Māori Crown Partnerships team

About the role

This fixed term role supports the development of care, conservation and repatriation arrangements for taonga tūturu for which the Ministry's Chief Executive is responsible under the Protected Objects Act 1975. A key focus of the role is supporting the Project Lead to deliver the next phase of the Rekohu | Chatham Islands Waka Project, including project coordination, operational delivery and conservation activities. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of project outcomes by:

• Coordinating project logistics and supporting day-to-day operations
• Preparing and coordinating reporting, governance papers, briefings, aide-mémoires and status updates
• Monitoring project progress and identifying risks and issues
• Supporting engagement and collaboration across a range of internal and external stakeholders
• It would be desirable to have experience in heritage conservation activities and services

This is a critical relationship management role that requires cultural awareness, sound judgement and a high degree of professionalism and sensitivity. You will build and maintain strong relationships with imi Moriori, iwi Māori, and cultural sector stakeholders, as well as partner agencies including the Department of Conservation and Heritage New Zealand. You will confidently represent the Ministry and contribute to effective cross-agency collaboration, including engagement with senior leaders. From time to time, this role may require travel and short periods away from home, including overnight stays.

Eligibility

Āheinga | Eligibility If you are not a New Zealand citizen, you must hold current eligibility to work in New Zealand and for Manatū Taonga. Please refer to the New Zealand Immigration Service for further information.

Applications close Sunday 1 November 2026

For enquiries about this position contact Emily Winter [e-mail]

To learn more about Manatū Taonga | Ministry for Culture & Heritage please explore our Corporate Website (mch.govt.nz)