Principal Report Writer/Analyst

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

The Waitangi Tribunal is a permanent commission of inquiry responsible for investigating and making recommendations on claims brought by Māori. These claims relate to legislation, policies, actions, or omissions by the Crown that are alleged to breach the commitments made in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We are looking for a Principal Report Writer/Analyst to join our supportive and collaborative team within the Waitangi Tribunal Unit.

This pivotal role provides technical leadership and expert advice in the planning and delivery of Waitangi Tribunal reports and inquiry programmes. Reporting to the Manager, Report Writing, you'll work closely with the other Principal Report Writer/Analyst, senior report writers, technical leaders across the unit, as well as the judiciary and Waitangi Tribunal members.

Our team is actively engaged in a range of significant inquiries, including the Wai 2180 Taihape and Wai 1040 Te Paparahi o Te Raki district inquiries, as well as inquiries exploring contemporary themes such as Health Services and Outcomes, National Freshwater and Geothermal Resources, and Constitutional matters

In this role, you will:

• lead the implementation of innovative approaches and new capabilities in report writing
• demonstrate exceptional communication, writing, and stakeholder engagement skills
• provide expert advice to staff and Waitangi Tribunal panels on report writing, analysis, and findings
• conduct quality assurance reviews to uphold high standards
• support the Waitangi Tribunal with high-priority and urgent writing tasks
• plan, coordinate, and oversee report writing projects across multiple inquiries.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

We're looking for someone who can lead with authority while fostering collaboration and trust within the team and wider unit.

You will have a passion for detailed analysis, critical thinking, and writing. As a mentor, you will help guide team members to reach their full potential. To be successful in the role you will be:

• qualified to master's degree level or possess equivalent professional research and writing experience in history, law, public policy, Māori studies, social sciences, or related fields
• have proven experience in leading large-scale writing projects
• have strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders
• have a deep understanding of and commitment to the work of the Waitangi Tribunal
• knowledge of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori is highly desirable, with a commitment to ongoing development in these areas.

Mō mātou/About us

Our dynamic and multi-disciplinary team includes professionals with backgrounds in law, public policy, history, criminology, and international relations. The work can be fast paced, with opportunities to travel nationwide to attend Waitangi Tribunal hearings. We foster a collaborative and supportive environment with a strong focus on wellbeing and work-life balance.

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities, and religions. 

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:

• 4.4 weeks holiday leave
• an online professional development portal
• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks
• Te Reo Māori allowance

See our full range of benefits here.

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $110,766 and $154,680 based on skills and experience.

Tono mai/Apply

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV, cover letter and a writing sample that demonstrates your professional writing skills, no more than 20 pages in length.

Applications close on Sunday 23 March 2025; however, we will be reviewing applications as they come in and may reach out to shortlisted candidates ahead of the application closing date

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz

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