Senior Policy Analyst

Department of Internal Affairs; Wellington; On-site; NZD 114,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in Wellington seeks a Senior Policy Analyst to contribute to local government policy development. The role involves engaging with councils, managing complex relationships, and leading projects related to economic growth and infrastructure development. Ideal candidates will have strong policy analysis skills and experience in regulatory design. This full-time position offers flexible working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in policy analysis and development.
• Experience working in high-pressure environments.
• Ability to navigate complex government processes.
• Experience with local government systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of an independent regulator for development levies.
• Engage with councils and stakeholders for City and Regional Deals.
• Contribute to local government policy development and reform.

Skills

Strong policy analysis

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Regulatory design experience

Delivery focus

Job description

Overview

Description
Type: 2x Fixed term until 30 June 2026
Hours: Full time,
Location: Wellington
Business Group: Local Government Policy, Partnerships and Operations
Branch: Policy and Te Tiriti
Salary: $114,039 - $141,915

Senior Policy Analyst

• Are you a strong policy professional who enjoys working at pace while wrangling government processes across multiple Ministers and Agencies?
• Are you looking for the opportunity to work as part of a dynamic group grappling with complex policy issues?
• Are you a superb communicator and manager of relationships who can represent the Department in high stakes environments?
• Do you want to play a part in improving how councils approach economic growth and infrastructure development?

If you can answer yes to these questions, then come and join our team working across the local government system on natural and built environments or city and regional deals.

The Local Government Policy, Partnerships and Operations Group is looking for two senior policy analysts on a fixed term, one to join our Natural and Built Environments team and the other for the City and Regional Deals team (fixed term until 30 June 2026).

It’s a great time to be working on local government policy. There is a lot of change underway, and we have an ambitious and interesting work programme with never a dull moment. We blend local government expertise, specialised policy advice and operational delivery and oversight to bring about a strong local government system.

Mō te tīma | About our Teams

The Natural and Built Environments team is one of five teams in our Local Government Policy, Partnerships and Operations Group. The Team leads on several policy areas associated with the Going for Housing Growth programme including resource management reform and does a large amount of inter-agency work, especially with Housing and Urban Development and the Ministry for the Environment. The work also has close links into the Water Services Reform programme, also led out of our Branch.

The largest project the team is leading is developing new funding settings for local government as part of the Going for Housing Growth programme and the design and introduction of a new Development Levies regime. This role will specifically lead the design of an independent regulator for development levies and will involve close working relationships with Housing and Urban Development, the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment, and the Commerce Commission.

The City and Regional Deals team is responsible for delivering the Government's City and Regional Deals programme. These deals are based on 30-year visions for the regions, with a 10-year strategic plan that will deliver shared objectives and outcomes between local and central government. Deals will help identify key initiatives and priorities that are needed to build economic growth, deliver connected and resilient infrastructure and improve the supply of affordable quality housing.

City and Regional Deals are also a platform for improving how central and local government work together to address the most pressing issues facing New Zealanders, including economic growth, housing growth and infrastructure development. With a combination of policy and inter-agency work, direct engagement with councils, and system and strategic issues to consider, the programme provides a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development.

Mōu | About you

To succeed in this role, you will need to be comfortable operating in a high pace environment amidst change and ambiguity, working across multiple agencies and multiple Ministers.

We place our people first so you will have strong people skills and play your role in empowering and developing people to build a great team.

You will have a growth mindset, be prepared to take risks, ask questions and work collaboratively with others to get things right. You’ll also be a great writer, be able to navigate government processes and enjoy translating complex issues into practical advice.

Ideally you will have regulatory design experience and an understanding of local government funding and finance system.

Importantly, you will have a delivery focus and be able to provide advice and implement programmes so that things will work on the ground.

Even more importantly, while the work is serious, you will not take yourself too seriously and be prepared to make a joke and have fun while working hard.

Department of Internal Affairs - Te Tari Taiwhenua

Working at the Department of Internal Affairs, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of New Zealanders. Within the Department, we play the role of being the Government’s lead / chief advisor on local government.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We recognise a diverse workforce contributes to better business outcomes. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees have equal access and can be their authentic selves.

How to Apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

The roles are full-time, but hours can be negotiable for the right candidate. DIA offers flexible working arrangements by default.

Applications close: 11pm 12 October 2025
For more information please contact: [e-mail] or [e-mail].
Job description: To review the full job description, please click here and the City and Regional Deals team click here