Chief Data and Information Officer

Fixed-term / Secondment - to 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 a visionary Āpiha Raraunga Tahi, Mōhiohio Matua | Chief Data and Information Officer (CDIO) to lead sector-wide data transformation for the Planning and Environmental Management System Transformation Programme. This is a unique opportunity to design and implement data governance, sector-wide standards, and multi-agency information architecture that will underpin one of New Zealand's most significant reforms.

You'll champion Māori Data Governance principles, foster collaboration across agencies, councils, iwi/Māori, and industry partners, and ensure alignment with government directives and GCDO requirements. Your leadership will create a modern, integrated data ecosystem that supports system-wide reform and enduring public benefit.

In this role you will:

• Lead the design and implementation of federated data governance across the resource management sector.

• Drive adoption of sector-wide data standards and multi-agency information architecture.

• Embed Māori Data Governance principles and uphold data sovereignty.

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

• Ensure compliance with legislative and government requirements, including GCDO standards.

• Lift data capability and maturity across agencies and promote innovation.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

• Proven leadership of large-scale, multi-agency data and information transformation.

• Expertise in data governance, sector-wide standards, and information architecture.

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

• Experience embedding Māori Data Governance principles and applying te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice.

• Relevant tertiary qualification in data/information management, 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 email 

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.

Candidates may be contacted prior to the role closing.

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