Principal Advisor, Māori Partnerships and Communities

5 days ago

Wellington Central, Wellington, New Zealand Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children Full time NZ$125,926 - NZ$139,459 per year
  • Elevate outcomes for Māori tamariki and rangatahi through the co-design of effective services
  • Engage with Māori partners and communities
  • Must be results orientated, with the ability to do hands on risk activities

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

  • We put Tamariki first
  • We believe Aroha is vital
  • We respect the Mana of people
  • We are Tika and Pono
  • We value Whakapapa
  • We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Māori Partnerships & Communities team engages with Māori partners and communities to elevate outcomes for Māori tamariki and rangatahi through the co-design of effective services. We do this in part by honouring the Ministry's responsibilities under the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 (section 7(h)(i)) and Treaty settlement commitments and obligations.

This fixed term role until 30th June 2026 is based in our National Office. Due to the operational requirements and dynamic nature of the role, it will be beneficial for you to have the close support of the team around you. Candidates for this role are required to already be based in Wellington or be willing to relocate to Wellington for this opportunity.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Reporting to the General Manager Māori Partnerships & Communities you will bring with you:

  • Proven experience in a principal advisor role in the public or private sector
  • Excellent writing skills with an ability to synthesize complex information
  • Demonstrated experience at handling high pressure situations with calmness and professionalism
  • Strong ability to grasp complex business issues to contribute effective solutions to drive success
  • Conceptually strong, while pragmatic and results orientated, and ability to do hands on risk activities
  • Experience in working within te ao Māori frameworks
  • Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and responsibilities.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $125,926 and $139,459 dependant on experience.

We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow.

We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact

Applications for this role close at midnight on Tuesday 21st October 2025.

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.

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