Principal Advisor Enabling Communities

· Critical role supporting Enabling Communities

· Hawkes Bay location

· Fixed term role ending 30 June 2026

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 Enabling Communities programme was established to test and prototype opportunities to shift decision making and resources closer to Māori and communities. Partners lead the development, design, implementation and evaluation of the prototypes in partnership with Oranga Tamariki who will support the enablement and implementation of service delivery changes proposed.

We are seeking a strategic and operationally focused Principal Advisor – Enabling Communities to help shape the future of community-led service delivery in the Hawkes Bay, East Coast region. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of transformational change, supporting the Regional Commissioner to lead the scoping, development and implementation of a change work programme to facilitate the realignment, transition or decommissioning of services to new or alternative services under the Oranga Tamariki Enabling Communities programme.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of Oranga Tamariki systems and processes, to provide the analysis to support the case for change and to inform the planning and deliverables to ensure alignment of local operations in Hawkes Bay to embed any new agreed Iwi and/or community led services under the Enabling Communities programme. Given the regular engagement with local Iwi, providers and community that is required, a sound grasp of te reo me ōna tikanga and te ao Māori would be an advantage.

This role reports to the Regional Commissioner, East Coast. Due to the operational requirements and dynamic nature of the role, it will be beneficial for the candidate to have close support of the Hawkes Bay team around you. Candidates are required to already be based in Hawkes Bay.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

· Highly capable writer with an ability to synthesise complex information into simple to understand language adapted for the audience.

· Proven experience in Project Management methodologies.

· Demonstrated experience at handling high pressure situations with calmness and professionalism.

· Strong ability to critically analyse and interpret complex information and make effective, well-reasoned decisions.

· Confident and experienced engaging in te ao Māori and have a strong grasp of te ao Māori concepts.

· A good understanding of Government and Government processes

· Willingness to travel within New Zealand to fulfil the requirements of the role.

· Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture.

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 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. A strong cover letter should complement your CV by telling a compelling story about why you're the right fit for the role, why you want the role, why Oranga Tamariki and to and what you bring.

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

Hurry as applications for this role close at 5pm on Sunday 23 November 2025.

However, we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now

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.