Principal Advisers - Auckland

Position Title:  Principal Adviser (Two positions available) 

Team and Group:  Auckland | Delivery 

Position Type:  Fixed Term or secondment up until August or September 2027, Full Time (38 hours per week) 

Location:  Auckland CBD office   

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.

About the role    

You'll play a pivotal role in shaping Auckland's transport future. Transport reforms in Auckland see MCERT at the forefront of establishing and supporting the new Auckland Regional Transport Committee (ARTC), a joint Government and Auckland Council committee. This unique opportunity will see you lead MCERT's contribution to advising the ARTC, influence cross-agency priorities, help develop Auckland's first 30-year transport plan and work on the Auckland Regional Land Transport Plan. Working at the intersection of central and local government, you'll drive collaboration, integrate diverse perspectives, and have a lasting impact on transport outcomes for the region.

The team provides an integrated view on transport in Auckland to support the Minister, MCERT and the transport sector in Auckland. We advise on strategic direction and outcomes, investment planning, national policy relating to Auckland, key Auckland projects and Auckland issues.

This role involves representing MCERT on a cross-agency team, working with the team and senior leaders to provide advice to the Auckland Regional Transport Committee, and providing advice to the Minister of Transport on the 30-year transport plan for Auckland and the Auckland Regional Land Transport Plan.

In this role you will:

• lead MCERT's contribution to strategic transport planning in Auckland playing a key role in cross-agency teams to influence priorities and align perspectives
• utilise your analytical, strategic and investment advisory expertise to identify policy and investment choices and trade-offs 
• prepare advice for the ARTC and the Minister of Transport 
• lead relationships across the transport sector in Auckland  
• work with the Auckland team on broad-ranging transport and urban development matters.
   

Based on the work this position is Auckland based only. 

Skills and experience    

• Extensive experience of working in the Auckland environment with a deep understanding of context, institutional arrangements at a government and local government level, the transport system and with existing senior stakeholder relationships

• Extensive analytical and intellectual thinking skills, with demonstrated capability in adding significant value when applying analytical frameworks to draw well-considered conclusions and provide advice

• Demonstrated capability in being able to lead complex and ambiguous work programmes, manage multiple demands and provide advice in short timeframes
• Proven ability to write clear, concise, easy to understand and impactful content tailored to the audience 
• Demonstrated successful capability in leading policy, strategic project development, investment advice and analysis in the public sector with an understanding of government policy-making procedures
• Numerical ability, with demonstrated successful capability in providing advice based on numerical evidence and analytical concepts in various scenarios
• Demonstrated capability in building and maintaining effective working relationships including leading and collaborating with others to achieve outcomes and influence the agenda.

Salary range   

Salary range for this role is $138,372 to $172,372pa.  Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.   

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 Karen Lyons at [email protected].    

The location for this role is Auckland.  

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 [email protected].

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

Note: for our internal permanent people who are applying for a secondment, you must speak with your Manager before submitting your application. 

Applications close: Sunday, 13 September 2026.