Senior Advisor Regulatory Practice

New Zealand Transport Agency; Wellington; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Competitive salary

5 weeks annual leave

Job summary

The New Zealand Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) invites applicants to join the Regulatory Practice team in Wellington, helping transform regulatory expectations into clear guidance, tools and support for decision-making across the organisation.

You'll work with regulatory leaders and practitioners to embed best practice, build capability and drive system-wide improvements that benefit New Zealanders, with flexible working options and a competitive salary package aligned to your skills and

Qualifications

• Proven experience in frontline regulatory delivery roles.
• Ability to translate legal/policy/technical information into accessible guidance.
• Strong documentation and process design skills with analytical thinking.

Responsibilities

• Support development and continuous improvement of NZTA's regulatory practice framework.
• Translate regulatory practice expectations into clear quality frameworks, standards, guidance and tools.
• Contribute to development of a regulatory practice community and coaching network.
• Build and maintain relationships across the regulatory system and with external partners.

Skills

Regulatory delivery experience

Policy interpretation

Documentation and process design

Relationship building

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Job description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Improve NZTA's regulatory practice tools, guidance and frameworks Turn regulatory requirements into clear, practical guidance Build strong relationships and help grow capability across the regulatory system

You will join our team that is shaping the future of regulatory practice at NZTA. In this role, you'll help bring the Practice Framework to life by transforming regulatory expectations into clear, practical guidance, tools and resources that support consistent, confident and high-quality regulatory decision-making across the organisation. Working alongside the Principal Advisor – Regulatory Practice, you'll collaborate with regulatory leaders, practitioners and key stakeholders to embed best practice and strengthen how regulatory work is delivered. You'll provide trusted advice and support, helping teams understand, adopt and apply the Practice Framework in a way that is practical, effective and fit for purpose. This is an opportunity to influence system-wide improvement and contribute to a more mature, connected and effective regulatory environment. Through insights, feedback and continuous improvement initiatives, you'll help drive better practice, build capability and support positive outcomes for New Zealanders. This is a key role where you’ll:

• Support the development and continuous improvement of NZTA’s regulatory practice framework, delivering practical, user-focused tools and guidance that drive consistent, high-quality regulatory practice.
• Ensure that regulatory practice expectations translate into clear quality frameworks, standards, guidance and tools that can be consistently applied across regulatory functions in the organisation.
• Be involved in the development and sustainment of an NZTA practice community and coaching and quality network, lifting capability and promoting aligned practice delivery across the regulatory workforce.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across the regulatory system and with external partners, supporting alignment with good regulatory practice, sector expectations and emerging standards.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

About you

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

• Proven experience in frontline regulatory delivery roles
• Demonstrated ability to interpret legal/policy/technical information and translate this into accessible, user-friendly guidance
• Strong documentation and process design skills, using analytical thinking alongside your attention to detail
• Experience working collaboratively across technical, operational and business teams using your highly developed relationship building and communications skills
• A commitment to continuous improvement and learning

You will also demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to build understanding of Te Ao Māori, tikanga, and theprinciples 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.

What you will get in return

• We care about our people and invest in supporting our staff at NZTA.
• Flexible working options
• A competitive salary package, aligned with your skills and experience
• 5 weeks annual leave and other great benefits.

Applications close: 20 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.

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.