Principal Adviser Policy

Vacancy 2025/21

Pou Tohu Mātāmua Kaupapa Here Principal Adviser Policy PN0510

Permanent Full time

Te Aka Policy Performance and Insights

Wellington

Salary Grade $129263 - $150119

Ki te puāwai te ahurea Ka ora te iwi
Culture is thriving the people are well

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Principal Policy Adviser to join our newly established Sport & Recreation Policy team. This is a permanent position reporting to the Manager Policy Sport & Recreation

Kōrero mō te tūranga About the role
Sport and recreation connects people promotes wellbeing and builds stronger communities. High performance sport inspires national pride showcases excellence and supports New Zealands presence on the world stage. Government investment in the sector supports New Zealanders regardless of age background or ability to participate in and benefit from active lifestyles while also supporting our elite athletes to succeed internationally.

Our policy work spans all aspects of sport and recreation from matters related to access and participation to policy on high performance sport and international engagement on anti-doping. We work across government to contribute to broader policy work that has impacts for sport and recreation and provide policy stewardship of sport and recreation legislation.

We are looking for an experienced Principal Policy Adviser who will lead projects and provide high-quality advice on key sport and recreation policy issues. The role is highly collaborative and you will need the confidence and proven ability to drive complex policy work forward while developing and managing relationships at all levels across government and the sport and recreation sector.

Our work spans the range of policy levers including regulatory funding and system-level policy and interesting issues that require balancing of economic cultural and social outcomes. We are seeking a politically savvy and enthusiastic team player who is eager to make a difference.

Mōu anō About you

You will need to demonstrate:

• Strategic leadership in shaping and delivering policy advice in the public sector
• Effective stakeholder relationship management at all levels across government and the wider sector
• Analytical capability and policy practice including coaching and mentoring staff to deliver high quality advice
• Experience briefing senior leaders and Ministers
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and application of these in public policy and partnership with Māori

To learn more about Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Heritage please explore ourCorporate Website ()

Please download a copy of the full Position Description (MCH Website)

Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process so please highlight how your experience relates to the competencies listed in the position description

Me pēhea te tono How to apply

For more information about the role and how to apply please follow the online process on ourCareers Website.

For enquiries about this position contact Sebastian Clarke

Applications close 5.00pm on Friday 3 October 2025

Āheinga Eligibility
If you are not a New Zealand citizen you must hold current eligibility to work in New Zealand and for Manatū Taonga. Please refer to the New Zealand Immigration Service for further information

Required Experience:

Senior IC