Principal Advisor

• Support the Housing Delivery Lead team by driving strategic alignment across our transformation programme
• Champion future focussed, systems thinking and strategic context into our change initiatives
• Newmarket office based, Fixed Term 6 months, rate up to $183,249 (pro rata)

Te whiwhinga mahi - Our opportunity
As Principal Advisor – Strategic Advisory, you will lead and drive high-impact strategic initiatives that enable our Housing Delivery Group to achieve its short and medium-term objectives. You will bring deep subject matter expertise to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and design innovative solutions that transform how we deliver housing. This includes leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence to embed new ways of working and championing continuous improvement across the wider group.

With your exceptional ability to influence at the highest levels, your role will ensure Housing Delivery is fully integrated into organisational planning, policy, and performance frameworks.

You will lead complex strategy projects, provide robust business intelligence and insights, and produce high-quality reports, business cases, and presentations that inform executive decision-making.

Reporting into the Director Performance, Advisory and Analytics, this role is a critical strategic link between our delivery teams to key internal and external partners by ensuring Housing Delivery's leadership and representation in enterprise-wide initiatives such as technology modernisation and operational excellence.

This is an opportunity for a strategic thinker with proven experience in corporate strategy or strategic communications roles in a professional services environment. You will have outstanding verbal and written communication skills with the ability to navigate complexity with confidence.

If you are ready to shape outcomes that deliver lasting impact for communities across New Zealand, we invite you to apply for this pivotal role.

Ngā Pūmanawatanga Ōu - What You Will Bring

• Relevant degree (postgraduate preferred) or equivalent senior experience in strategic communications or corporate strategy.
• Proven ability to provide strategic advice, change management, and communications at Board and Executive level.
• Strong background in strategy development, project or programme management.
• Experience using insights and analytics for data-driven decisions and storytelling.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Advanced Microsoft 365 skills (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) and reporting/visualisation tools (e.g., Adobe Editor).
• Understanding of state sector/crown entity context and government processes (e.g., Official Information Act).
• Excellent influencing, facilitation, and interpersonal skills; strong team collaboration.
• Ability to prioritise, meet deadlines, and deliver results.
• Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable with ambiguity.
• Strong problem-solving and risk management skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication in clear, plain language.

Nōu te rourou - What's in it for you?
We offer competitive salaries, five weeks' annual leave, and flexible working arrangements.

As a Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities employee, we want to make sure that you have all the tools and support you need. We want to ensure you are healthy and have work-life balance.

Mō mātou - Our Organisation
At Kāinga Ora, ours is the important responsibility of transforming New Zealand's housing choices, outcomes and the entire housing sector by creating homes and communities that allow New Zealanders to thrive.

What is exciting about working for Kāinga Ora is getting the chance to make a real and positive impact on New Zealanders' lives. With skills, planning and purposeful action, our people are creating the homes and neighbourhoods that will build the future of Aotearoa.

We are passionate about transforming New Zealand for the better. That includes being a trusted partner for Māori and iwi, protecting and enabling their rights, interests and aspirations under the guidance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Ō tātou uara - Our values
Our Values Were Developed By Us, For Us. They Unite Us As An Organisation And Guide How We Work Every Day. Our Values Are

• Manaakitanga – People at the Heart
• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Whanake – Be Bold

Tūhono mai - Join us
To view the position description and apply for this role, please follow the online process via Please note: all applicants, including existing employees, need to follow this process. If you have any questions about this role, please contact

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress suitable candidates prior to the closing date. This helps us ensure a timely and streamlined recruitment process and supports prompt feedback for all applicants.
Applications close on Sunday, 14 December 2025 at 11:55pm.
We value diversity and are committed to working with each other and our customers in an inclusive and respectful way. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and appreciate the richness of experience that your point of difference brings to the organisation.