Kaitohutohu Mātāmua | Principal Advisor Policy - Te Piringa - Tūmatakōkiri

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Fixed Term or Secondment opportunity to 19 June 2026

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the role

Te Piringa (the Treaty Commitments team) is responsible for negotiating Treaty settlement redress and co-ordinating the Ministry's participation in Treaty-related claims in the Waitangi Tribunal and Courts. Te Piringa also leads and supports engagement with Māori, including the National Iwi Chairs Forum, Te Tai Kaha and Post-Settlement Governance Entities.

The purpose of the role is to work with the Manager to lead and deliver the work programme and ensure alignment and integration across related functions, using foresight skills to identify the key work streams to support and prioritise. 

Te Piringa work streams include:

• Coordinating and supporting the Ministry's pan-Māori and Treaty Partner relationships  
• Negotiating Treaty  settlements (including supporting cross-agency collaboration)   
• Relationship agreements with iwi and other groups (Accords, te Awa Tupua, Waikato River Authority)
• Co-ordinating the Ministry's participation in Treaty-related claims in the Courts and Waitangi Tribunal  

This role will best suit a self-starter who loves a challenge, thrives on variety in their work and a particular interest in uplifting the knowledge and performance of those around them.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Strong understanding of and experience with the machinery of government.
• Proven ability to provide practical policy advice to solve/address problems. 
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including experience providing written and oral briefings to Ministers and senior officials for meetings with iwi/PSGEs. 
• Highly developed knowledge and practical skills and experience in: 
  • Te Tiriti o Waitangi;
  • the historical context of Treaty settlements;
  • the Treaty settlement process, and;
  • the Māori Crown relationship.
• Deep understanding of the Government's priorities and the relevant political context that shapes decision making 
• Demonstrated knowledge of te ao Māori perspectives.
• Proven ability to lead complex cross-governmental policy development and/or implementation programmes. 
• 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 $140,222 to $170,467 pa.  Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.

Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE

• a flexible working approach to embrace a healthy work-life blend
  
• agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as ‘One MfE'
  
• active employee networks including Māori Rōpū, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network
  
• opportunities for development and education.          
  

Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.

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 Ngaire.howes@mfe.govt.nz. The position description is available via our careers .centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture.  We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.  We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all.  Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you.  Please contact us at vacancy@mfe.govt.nz if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.

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

Rā Katinga | Applications close: 
Wednesday, 18 June 2025