Senior Policy Advisor, Māori Development & Crown Relations

Te Puni Kōkiri; Wellington; On-site; NZD 105,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare allowances

Optical subsidy

Hauora/wellbeing benefits

Te reo Māori proficiency

Job summary

Te Puni Kōkiri is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to join a small, high‑performing team on a fixed term/secondment. You will lead policy development, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with government partners to deliver high quality advice that supports Māori development and Crown–Māori relations.

You will work in an ao Māori environment, applying tikanga and prioritising complex policy issues, with strong written communication and stakeholder engagement as core requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience in a government policy shop underpinning mahi with te ao Māori and Te Tiriti.
• Ability to deliver high‑quality policy advice and to work across multiple teams.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Capable of coaching and mentoring junior staff and building team capability.
• Comfort working in an ao Māori environment with tikanga observed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and influence innovative policy development with cross‑government collaboration.
• Represent Te Puni Kōkiri policy positions in diverse, potentially sensitive contexts.
• Coach kamahi to upskill knowledge of legislation and Crown–Māori relations.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and analytical strength in complex policy issues.

Skills

Policy development

Stakeholder relations

Analytical thinking

Coaching/mentoring

Job description

Te Puni Kōkiri is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to join a small, high‑performing team on a fixed term/secondment. You will lead policy development, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with government partners to deliver high quality advice that supports Māori development and Crown–Māori relations.

You will work in an ao Māori environment, applying tikanga and prioritising complex policy issues, with strong written communication and stakeholder engagement as core requirements.