Policy Advisor

• Make a difference in the wake of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
• Join this dynamic policy work programme as the government looks to lift performance across the care and protection system
• Build your skillset across the full spectrum of policy work

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

Calling policy professionals to apply your skills and experience to those who most need you - children and young people involved with Oranga Tamariki.

This is an opportunity to make a difference in the wake of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care and the Dame Karen Poutasi review. Oranga Tamariki is at the forefront of system change and has a dynamic policy work programme as the government looks to lift performance across the care and protection system.

You will be part of a small and tight-knit policy capability – that means responsibility, influence, access and opportunities to build your skillset across the full spectrum of policy work as part of a significant operational agency.

Collaboration is key —we listen to children, young people, families, and whānau, we work with key partners, including Māori, Pacific and disability communities, and we connect with a wide range of children's agencies and operational experts, to deliver.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

• Sound policy experience and strong analytic and critical thinking skills
• A clear interest and aptitude in written and oral communication
• Flexibility, openness and a can-do attitude with an interest in variety, responsibility and ability to produce quality policy work quickly across the full policy process.
• Proven relationship skills and record as a compassionate and collaborative team player who can work with a diverse range of people.
• Cultural competency and knowledge of the circumstances and issues facing Māori in the communities the Ministry works
• Experience in children's rights and issues and/or any of the children's agencies or monitors
• Post-graduate or conjoint tertiary qualification in an English rich analytic discipline

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 $77,886 and $86,082 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 Sunday 23rd November 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.