Principal Advisor

4 days ago

Wellington Central, Wellington, New Zealand Barnardos Full time NZ$70,000 - NZ$100,000 per year

We're looking for a Principal Advisor to join our People and Capability team. This is a permanent, full-time (40 hours per week) position that can be based in Wellington or Christchurch.

This role provides high-quality, practical and operational HR advice to leaders across Barnardos, developing line management capability on people related matters, supporting managers with best practice solutions and delivering tools and guidelines to enable this. You will also provide expertise and specialist advice to the Senior People and Capability Advisors on intricate performance and employment relations matters.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Partnering with leaders to deliver sound people strategies and build capability.
  • Providing expert advice on ER, performance management and workforce planning.
  • . Facilitate the implementation of outcomes of collective bargaining processes.
  • Maintaining an overview of key trends and people metrics to support the organisation.
  • Coach and advise leaders through formal performance improvement processes and disciplinary processes to conclusion.
  • Driving people initiatives that align with Barnardos' vision and guiding principles.
  • Coaching and mentoring managers to enhance leadership and people practices.
  • Provide high quality guidance and operational support on a wide range of generalist people matters within a geographical portfolio.

To excel in this role, you'll bring:

  • A relevant tertiary qualification in HR, Law, or Psychology (essential)
  • 7+ years' experience in HR/People and Capability roles, including at least 5 years managing ER matters (essential)
  • 2+ years' experience in conducting collective bargaining (essential)
  • Formal mediation experience
  • Detailed knowledge of NZ employment law and HR best practice (essential)
  • Proven ability to influence, coach, and mentor leaders.
  • Exceptional relationship management and communication skills.
  • A clean, full, New Zealand drivers' licence (essential)

Embody Our Values

  • Kotahitanga (Unity): Cultivate a sense of belonging through meaningful relationships with tamariki, rangatahi, colleagues, and the wider community
  • Mahi Tōtika (Excellence): Demonstrate unwavering integrity and purpose in all aspects of your work, striving for the highest standards of care
  • Kaikōkiritanga (Innovation): Drive positive change with creativity, constantly seeking new and effective ways to support tamariki and rangatahi
  • Āta Whakarongo (Active Listening): Let tamariki and rangatahi voices shape your approach, ensuring their perspectives are central to decision-making
  • Māiatanga (Empowerment): Nurture growth and unlock potential in tamariki, rangatahi, and colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development

About Barnardos Aotearoa 

For over 55 years Barnardos has been shaping brighter futures together with children and families in Aotearoa. Our mahi across social services, early learning and advocacy for children's rights and wellbeing means we're there for the whole childhood journey, and beyond.

For a copy of the position description, and any questions, please contact

This role closes on 2 January 2026, however we may commence interviews as applications are received and reviewed, so apply now

  • Principal Advisor

    2 days ago

    Wellington Central, Wellington, New Zealand Ministry of Justice Full time NZ$111,766 - NZ$154,680 per year

    Principal Digital Channels Advisor, Victims InformationFixed‑term until June 30, 2027 | Location: WellingtonHelp shape a modern, accessible, user‑centric Victims Information website. We're seeking a Principal Digital Channels Advisor who will provide senior expertise and guidance across content design, stakeholder management, publishing practices,...

  • Principal Advisor Strategic Communications

    4 days ago

    Wellington Central, Wellington, New Zealand Taumata Arowai Full time NZ$80,000 - NZ$120,000 per year

    Ko wai mātou | About usThe Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai is the water services regulator for Aotearoa New Zealand. It is a Crown entity governed by a Minister-appointed Board and advised on Māori interests and knowledge by Te Puna, a statutory Māori Advisory Group. Our responsibilities are to protect and promote drinking water safety and...

  • Principal Advisor Artificial Intelligence

    4 days ago

    Wellington Central, Wellington, New Zealand Absolute IT Limited Full time

    About the RoleOur public sector client are looking for a Principal Advisor – Artificial Intelligence to support the ongoing development of AI initiatives. This 6-month contract role involves leading AI strategy and governance, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver scalable AI solutions. Responsibilities Provide expert advice on AI theory...

  • Principal Advisor – Iwi Business Services

    4 days ago

    Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Incorporated Full time NZ$80,000 - NZ$120,000 per year

    Shape the future of iwi-led economic transformationTwo newly established opportunities | Porirua | Full-timePrincipal Advisor – Iwi Business ServicesAdvisor – Iwi Business ServicesTaumata Search & Selection is proud to partner with Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira on these appointments.About Te Rūnanga o Toa RangatiraTe Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira is the...

  • Principal Policy Advisor

    4 days ago

    Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand New Zealand Ministry of Justice Full time NZ$129,129 - NZ$179,192 per year

    Job Type: Permanent Full TimeCategory: Policy/AnalystsLocation: Wellington CityDate Advertised: 24-NOV-25Job Reference: MOJ/1897109Job Title: Principal Policy AdvisorBusiness Unit:Division:Classification:Work Location:Position Type:Job Duration:N/AContact Name:Contact Phone/Email/Fax:Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.Success is not the...

  • Principal Advisor

    4 days ago

    Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand Hays | Technology Full time

    Location: Wellington (05 days in the office is a must) Candidates applying for this role MUST hold a restricted or higher security clearance. Applicants for this position must have New Zealand Citizenship/Residence.Tō tūranga hou | Your new role We are looking for an experienced Principal Advisor - Artificial Intelligence Consultant to support the...

  • Principal Advisor

    4 days ago

    Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand Hays Full time

    06-month contractCompetitive ratesWeekly paymentLocation: Wellington (05 days in the office is a must)Candidates applying for this role MUST hold a restricted or higher security clearance.Applicants for this position must have New Zealand Citizenship/Residence.Tō tūranga hou | Your new roleWe are looking for an experienced Principal Advisor - Artificial...

  • Principal Advisor Customer Experience

    4 days ago

    Wellington Central, Wellington, New Zealand New Zealand Qualifications Authority Full time NZ$100,000 - NZ$150,000 per year

    Principal Advisor Customer ExperienceLocation: Wellington Type: Full-time | Permanent Salary Band: M1Are you a hands-on CX leader who gets stuff done?NZQA needs a Principal Advisor Customer Experience who can roll up their sleeves and deliver real improvements to customer experience—not just talk about it.You'll own end-to-end CX projects from start to...

  • Principal Advisor, National Security Policy and Coordination

    4 days ago

    Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time NZ$147,177 - NZ$164,492 per year

    Principal Advisor, National Security Policy and CoordinationNational Security and Resilience Group, DPMCWellington-based | Full-time | PermanentShape the Future of New Zealands National SecurityAre you an ambitious policy professional ready to take your career to the next level? Join the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) as a Principal...

  • Principal Advisor Geospatial

    4 days ago

    Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Full time NZ$120,000 - NZ$180,000 per year

    Shape the future of transport in Aotearoa through geospatial leadership.Influence national transport strategy and policy with your geospatial expertise.Collaborate with senior leaders, government agencies, and key industry partners.Lead innovation, mentor professionals, and drive continuous improvement in a values-driven environment. Te Whiwhinga mahi | The...