Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Mō te tūnga | About the role
Veterans' Affairs is exceptionally proud to represent and serve those who have fought in our country's best interests and who make sacrifices – even today – to ensure New Zealand remains a free and safe country. Veterans' Affairs acknowledges Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to the principles of partnership, participation and protection.
The main focus of this role is to facilitate projects aimed at enhancing services, processes, and information systems to better serve all veterans, with a particular focus on improving outcomes and experiences for Māori veterans and their whānau.
The key responsibilities of this role include:
- Leading the implementation of specific projects as part of the Veterans' Affairs Kia Eke Response Plan activities.
- Ensuring Veterans' Affairs activities align with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the partnership principles adopted from Te Arawhiti.
- Meaningfully engage with Māori / Iwi on a regular basis.
- Championing cultural change that supports operating in new ways and influences other to acclimate Te reo Māori and Tikanga protocols into their everyday interactions.
- Supporting a culturally safe environment for relationships to develop and prosper in meaningful and enduring ways.
- Regular engagement and consultation with internal and external stakeholders.
- Implementing improvements to the outreach programme that enhance the way we engage with Veterans from a cultural perspective and to increase awareness of available services.
This is a fixed term position ending 30 June 2026. The role is based in the Reserve Bank Building, Wellington CBD. Once you have undergone training and are up to speed, there is the option of working from home up to two days a week.
It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience
Considerable knowledge and understanding of Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi, including its principles, along with a minimum level of basic Te Reo Māori is required.
You will need the following experience to be successful in this role:
- A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and awareness of cultural safety for Maori.
- Familiarity with the Māori Crown Relations Capability Framework.
- Considerable experience leading and implementing business or service improvements projects and a good understanding project management methodologies.
- Pro-active, confident communicator with considerable stakeholder engagement experience.
- Pragmatic, adaptable and collaborative approach.
- Sound knowledge of state sector and defence operating environments, including experience with deployment to medium or high risk locations.
- Fluency in Te Reo Maori is desirable.
This newly created position provides plenty of scope to fully utilise your skill set, not only to grow and develop the role but to add value to the veteran community.
If you are keen to make a tangible difference and genuinely enhance the lives of others, then we encourage you to consider this meaningful role with Veterans' Affairs NZ.
Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you
Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.
NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply
Applications close on Thursday 3 July 2025.
Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.
Please Note:
- All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
- Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
- Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.
NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.
NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.
NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.
NZDF is currently undertaking a Workforce Savings Programme (WSP) to realise efficiencies and required enduring savings, in which NZDF has proposed some changes to the organisational structure of its civilian workforce. At this point in time this position is not proposed to be affected. We welcome your application for this important role and want to let you know that if the WSP is likely to impact on the role you are applying for, we will let you know at the earliest opportunity.
Please Note:
To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:
Low Level Security Clearance
- You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
- At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last five (5) years.
- You must have a five (5) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.
If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.