Chief Digital Officer

Fixed-term / Secondment - to end of June 2027

Lead one of Aotearoa's most significant system reforms. Transforming New Zealand's planning and environmental management system is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive better outcomes for New Zealanders.

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the Role

We're seeking an experienced Āpiha Matihiko Matua / Chief Digital Officer (CDO) to lead the design and delivery of national digital platforms for the Planning and Environmental Management System Transformation Programme. This includes the development of the national planning portal and consent systems, creating a modern, integrated digital ecosystem that supports system-wide reform.

You'll ensure technology solutions are scalable, modular, secure, and aligned with government priorities and Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) requirements. Working in partnership with agencies, councils, iwi/Māori, and technology vendors, you'll champion agile delivery and innovation to deliver enduring public benefit.

In this role you will:

• Lead the design and delivery of national digital platforms within the enterprise architecture blueprint.

• Drive adoption of technology solutions that enable resource management reform.

• Ensure compliance with legislative, security, and government requirements.

• Embed te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and Māori perspectives in digital design and delivery.

• Represent the programme in high-level forums and negotiations on technology matters.

• Lift digital capability and maturity across agencies and foster innovation.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

• Proven leadership of large-scale, public-facing government digital platforms.

• Expertise in agile delivery, solution architecture, and vendor management.

• Strong political acumen and stakeholder engagement skills, including iwi/Māori partnerships.

• Experience embedding Māori perspectives in digital design and delivery.

• Relevant tertiary qualification in digital technology or equivalent experience.

• Ability to gain and maintain a NZ Government security clearance.

For more information about the transformation of the planning and environmental management system - check out this article on our website:  

Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE

• agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as 'One MfE'

• active employee networks including Māori Rōpū, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network

• opportunities for development and education.

Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter.  Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

If you require further information about this position, please contact Sally Morison via

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture.  We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.  We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all.  Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you.  Please contact us at  if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

We will be reviewing applications as they come in and may contact candidates prior to the role closing.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:Sunday 11 January 2026 @ 5pm