Senior Analyst

Ministry of Justice - New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 111,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency in New Zealand seeks a Senior Analyst to support the Takutai Moana work programme. Responsibilities include leading discussions with applicants about customary rights, mentoring staff, and providing policy advice. Ideal candidates will have experience in navigating complex policy environments and strong analytical skills. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and various benefits, fostering an inclusive workplace.

Benefits

4.4 weeks holiday leave

Flexible work hours

Professional development portal

Access to inclusive networks

Qualifications

• Policy, relationship, and delivery skills are essential.
• Ability to support work with applicants implementing the Marine and Coastal Areas Act.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills required.

Responsibilities

• Lead discussions with applicants on customary rights.
• Mentor analysts and ensure team consistency.
• Develop and provide advice on process and policy.
• Provide briefing services to the Minister.
• Represent the team in external meetings.

Skills

Experience navigating complex policy environments

Understanding of the machinery of government

Establishing relationships with whānau, hapū and iwi

Strategic, analytical, and critical thinking skills

Problem-solving skills

Research, writing, communication, and presentation skills

Ability to work at pace in a complex environment

Thought leadership across interdisciplinary teams

Job description

Job Description

Te Tari Whakatau – The Office of Treaty Settlements and Takutai Moana, Wellington Central

Permanent, fulltime

The Opportunity

The Senior Analyst is responsible for supporting the Takutai Moana work programme by:

• Leading discussions with and supporting applicants towards determination of their customary rights under the Takutai Moana Act 2011 and other relevant legislation
• Mentoring analysts and fostering consistency both in the team and across Te Tari Whakatau
• Developing and providing advice on process and policy
• Providing briefing and related services to the Minister
• Representing Te Tari Whakatau in external meetings and participating in broader Te Tari Whakatau initiatives

Skills & Experience

In this role you will bring policy, relationship, and delivery skills to support our work with applicants and implementing the Marine and Coastal Areas (Takutai Moana) Act 2011.

• Experience navigating complex policy environments
• Sound understanding of the machinery of government and political landscape
• Experience establishing and effectively maintaining relationships with whānau, hapū and iwi
• Strong strategic, analytical, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to be adaptable, proactive, and show initiative, and apply problem‑solving skills
• Excellent research, writing, communication, and presentation skills
• Agility to work at pace to a high standard in a complex environment
• Ability to work across interdisciplinary teams and provide thought leadership

About Us

Te Tari Whakatau is a Departmental Agency of Te Tāhū o te Ture – the Ministry of Justice. Our work sees the Crown addressing historical breaches of, and obligations under, Te Tiriti o Waitangi; we work to restore the Crown’s relationship with Māori and help recognise Māori customary rights under Takutai Moana legislation.

Joining Te Tari Whakatau and Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

Benefits

• 4.4 weeks holiday leave
• Flexible work hours where possible
• An online professional development portal
• Access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

See our full range of benefits here.

Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $111,766 and $154,680 based on skills and experience.

Apply

You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on 20 November 2025; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.

If you have any questions, please contact [e-mail].

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