Senior Private Secretary (Expression of Interest)

Department of Internal Affairs; Wellington; On-site; NZD 109,697 - 156,214; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Internal Affairs in Wellington is seeking expressions of interest for a Senior Private Secretary role. The successful candidate will lead a Ministerial office team, oversee advice and correspondence, and ensure effective operation while engaging with senior stakeholders.

This ongoing opportunity offers a salary range of $109,697 - $156,214 per annum based on skills and experience, and candidates must be New Zealand Citizens or Permanent Residents. Applications will be retained for future vacancies.

Qualifications

• Experience in complex or high-paced environments.
• Ability to manage competing priorities.
• Skills in fostering a positive team culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a high-performing Ministerial office team.
• Oversee the delivery of advice, briefings, and correspondence to the Minister.
• Ensure strong coordination across agencies, offices, and stakeholders.

Skills

Strong judgement and political awareness

Proven leadership experience

Excellent organisational skills

Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders

Clear and effective written and verbal communication

Collaborative approach

Job description

Senior Private Secretary (Expression of Interest)

Job Info

• Job Identification 1002857
• Job Category All of Government
• Posting Date 05/20/2026, 11:20 PM
• Locations Parliament Buildings, Wellington, 0, NZ
• Apply Before 11/05/2026, 09:00 PM
• Job Schedule Full time

Job Description

Ministerial Resourcing are seeking expressions of interest for the Senior Private Secretary role, across Ministerial Offices.

This is an ongoing expression of interest. Applications will be reviewed as vacancies arise, both current and future, including fixed-term, roving, acting and events-based opportunities aligned with the Parliamentary term.

As a Senior Private Secretary, you are the key operational lead within a Minister’s office, responsible for ensuring the office runs effectively and delivers high-quality, timely support to the Minister.

What you’ll do

In this role, you will:

• Lead and manage a high-performing Ministerial office team
• Oversee the delivery of advice, briefings, and correspondence to the Minister
• Ensure strong coordination across agencies, offices, and stakeholders
• Manage office operations, systems, and processes to support the Minister’s priorities
• Provide leadership, guidance, and day-to-day direction to staff
• Maintain oversight of workflow, deadlines, and risks across the portfolio
• Uphold the standards and expectations of Ministerial Services and the Parliamentary environment

The Senior Private Secretary plays a central role in setting the culture, performance, and effectiveness of the office.

What we’re looking for

We’re interested in people who bring:

• Strong judgement and political awareness
• Proven leadership experience, ideally in complex or high-paced environments
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders, Ministers, and agencies
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication
• A collaborative approach and ability to foster a positive team culture

You’ll also demonstrate a high level of risk awareness and discretion, along with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, politically sensitive environment.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the workings of Executive Government. You’ll be employed by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and supported by the Ministerial Resourcing team, who ensure Ministers’ offices are staffed with skilled professionals.

We’re committed to making New Zealand better for New Zealanders — and we’re looking for someone who shares that purpose.

• Type: Events-based (aligned with the 3-year parliamentary term)
• Location: Wellington
• Salary Band: $109,697 - $156,214 per annum (based on skills, experience, and internal parity)

Applicants must be New Zealand Citizens or Permanent Residents and able to obtain and maintain a national security clearance at CONFIDENTIAL or above. Please assess your eligibility using the Protective Security Requirements tool.

Ready to Apply?

Applications will be retained and reviewed as vacancies arise. You may be contacted if your experience aligns with an upcoming opportunity. For more information, contact [e-mail]