Senior Adviser Taonga Tūturu [TP0524]

Ministry for Culture & Heritage; Wellington; On-site; NZD 113,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry for Culture & Heritage in Wellington seeks an experienced Senior Adviser to join its Māori Crown Partnerships team on a fixed-term basis. The role supports the care, conservation and repatriation of taonga tūturu under the Protected Objects Act 1975 and helps deliver the Rekohu | Chatham Islands Waka Project.

You will coordinate logistics, prepare governance papers and briefings, monitor progress and manage risk while engaging with imi Moriori, iwi Māori and partner agencies.

Responsibilities

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

Job description

Vacancies 2026/36 - V31

Pou Tohu Matua Taonga Tūturu | Senior Adviser Taonga Tūturu[TP0524]

Fulltime / Fixed term to June 2027

Wellington

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

Kōrero mō te tūranga | 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.

Kōrero mōu | About you

You are an enthusiastic and adaptable team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You can quickly establish credibility, navigate complexity and ambiguity, and build trusted relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

You will bring strong organisational skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and the confidence to manage competing priorities while delivering high‑quality outcomes.

Ideally, you will have experience in, or a sound understanding of:

• The culture and heritage sector, including taonga Māori and miheke Moriori and associated conservation or repatriation activities
• Working with Moriori, Māori and building effective partnerships and relationships
• The public sector, including legislation, government processes and the political environment
• Procurement, contract management and the management of external service providers
• Developing briefings, reports and advice for senior leaders and decision‑makers

Most importantly, you will bring a collaborative approach, cultural capability, sound judgement, and a genuine commitment to supporting outcomes for Moriori, Māori and the protection of miheke taonga tūturu.

Please download a copy of the full Position Description by clicking here

Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the competencies listed in the position description

Applications close Sunday 1 November 2026

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

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

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