Kaitohutohu Mātāmua |Principal Advisor Policy - Upholding Treaty Settlements

Fixed Term or Secondment opportunity to February 2027

Mō mātou | About us

The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) takes a long-term view of how New Zealand’s towns, cities and regions grow and change. We work across housing, transport, the environment, urban development, infrastructure and investment, and partner closely with local government. 

We provide joined-up policy and investment advice to government, support effective regulation and market settings, and work with others to help deliver affordable housing, connected communities, well-planned infrastructure, and a healthy, sustainable environment.

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the role   

Our Upholding Treaty Settlements team is looking for a Kaitohutohu Mātāmua / Principal Advisor.  The team provides expert advice and assistance in relation to Treaty settlements and other Treaty-related agreements, for example Takutai Moana arrangements. The team also ensures settlement and related arrangements are upheld through policy development and outcome. 

Responsibilities of the role include: 

• Supporting policy teams across the organisation to understand the implications policy development has for Treaty settlements, and to work through how settlements can be upheld.
• Embedding team members within policy teams to provide a settlements lens across the policy work programme.
• Developing policy advice for Ministers around how to uphold settlements and other arrangements within wider policy decision-making.
• Working alongside the Treaty-based relationships team to ensure that post-settlement governance entities (PSGEs) and other groups views on upholding settlements are considered in the policy process.
• Working alongside other agencies on complex policy matters relating to the upholding of settlements and other arrangements.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience   

• Proven ability to lead complex cross-governmental policy development and/or implementation programmes. 
• Proven ability to provide practical policy advice to solve/address problems. 
• Experience providing high quality written and oral briefings to Ministers for meetings with iwi.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and an ability to tailor to different audiences, delivering work efficiently and to a high standard.
• Highly developed knowledge and practical skills and experience in: 
  • Te Tiriti o Waitangi
  • Treaty settlements and other arrangements, the Treaty settlement process and historical context 
  • the Māori Crown relationship context
• Demonstrated knowledge of te ao Māori perspectives and Māori rights and interests. 
• Possesses a deep understanding of the machinery of government, exceptional written and oral communication skills, and proficiency in policy development. 
• Deep understanding of the Government's priorities and the relevant political context that shapes decision making.  
• Adept at mentoring and coaching junior team members, leading complex projects, and offering thought leadership through advanced expertise and experience. 

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range for this role is $143,891 - $174,927 pa.  Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.  

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 Sam Ritchie at [email protected]

We are committed to equal opportunities and building a diverse, inclusive workplace. We support our people to work in ways that help them do their best. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. 

We want our recruitment process to be fair and accessible for everyone. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know or get in touch at mailto:[email protected].

If you are applying for a secondment, you must speak with your Manager before submitting your application.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.   

Rā Katinga | Applications close: Sunday, 13 September 2026