Principal Advisor - Māori Crown Partnerships at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

11 May, 26

Salary

175500.0

Posted On

10 Feb, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic Advice, Māori Crown Partnerships, Te Ao Māori Perspective, Outcome Focused, Thought Leadership, Māori Evidence Base, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Treaty Settlements, Data Sovereignty, Policy Implementation, Stakeholder Influence, Critical Thinking, Communication, Tikanga, Te Reo Māori, Agility

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Play an integral part in providing strategic advice on Māori Crown Partnerships and to implementing Te Ara Kotahi Māori Strategy from an outcome perspective Bring a te ao Māori perspective that is long term and outcome focused, influencing our planner, investment and delivery functions Provide thought leadership to build the Māori evidence base for decision-making Be located anywhere across the motu with flexible working encouraged Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity We are seeking an experienced strategic Principal Advisor to join our small and dedicated Māori-Crown Partnerships team in Te Tūāpae - System Leadership at NZTA Waka Kotahi. Our team is 12 months old and has built our foundations for Māori and the transport system but more mahi needs to be done. This is a pivotal role looking to the future for Māori in transport. You will be building off the strategic Māori Crown partnership programme that drives the strategic direction. It ensures our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi, obligations to Māori, Treaty settlements and Māori outcomes are embedded in our strategy, policy, long term investment planning and data and analytics. You will provide thought leadership from a te ao Māori perspective, working closely with the Pou Matua National Māori Manager and other teams to drive positive outcomes for Māori in the land transport system agency wide and ensure accountabilities are being met. The role is internally focused and will require the successful applicant to work at a high level across NZTA Waka Kotahi. The mahi is interesting and diverse. This role will have you lead the implementation of Te Ara Kotahi (Māori Strategy) by giving strategic advice across our business groups. There are also a range of other matters including statutory and treaty settlement obligations and building a strong Māori evidence base for decision-making, including matters relating to Māori Data Sovereignty. Delivery and relationships with iwi/Māori are developed through other business groups and it is imperative that relationships are built across the agency with those who deliver on them. We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $145,000 - $175,500 commensurate to skills and experience. You will find out more about the role here Position Description. If this sounds like you, we would value your application. Ko koe tēnei | About you Ability to navigate complex strategy and policy environments with a te ao Māori lens. Knowledge and understanding of te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Experience working with hapū, iwi, and Māori. Proven expertise in the machinery of government. Strong strategic, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Excellent research, writing, communication, and presentation skills and the ability to persuade and influence. Experience and commitment to tikanga and te reo Māori. Agility to work quickly to a high standard in a complex environment. Experience in working across interdisciplinary teams and providing thought leadership from a Māori lens and ability to navigate and influence complex spaces. Mō mātou | About Us Ngākau aroha: Have heart – we prioritize the wellbeing of our people, community, and planet. Kotahitanga: Better together – we achieve great things through collaboration. Kia māia: Be brave – we bring courage and self-belief to our work. Mahia: Nail it – we deliver our best work every day, creating an enduring legacy. Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return Competitive salary and benefits package. Flexible working arrangements. Along with our other benefits we also have 5 weeks annual leave and an Income Protection and Critical illness Insurance scheme available for all permanent employees. Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply: If you wish to make a difference in enabling Māori outcomes across the land transport system and long-term change and have the skills and experience to lead the mahi on strategic Māori Crown partnerships, we would love to hear from you. Rā Katinga | Applications close: 25 February 2026 For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand. Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process. Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time. Ko wai mātou | About us At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. Waka Kotahi has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years time.

Responsibilities

The role involves providing strategic advice on Māori Crown Partnerships and leading the implementation of the Te Ara Kotahi Māori Strategy across business groups, ensuring Treaty of Waitangi obligations and Māori outcomes are embedded in agency functions. This includes providing thought leadership from a Te Ao Māori perspective to drive positive outcomes within the land transport system agency-wide.