Help shape the future of education in New Zealand
Help shape the future of Education
We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes
Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.
About this role | Mo tenei turanga
- Secondment or fixed term opportunity until November 2026
The Principal Advisor supports the General Manager, Office of the Hautu, contributing thought leadership and expertise to strategic priorities, work programmes and complex system issues to support the achievement of outcomes aligned to the Ministry's purpose and agreed strategies.
In this role you will:
- Identify, shape and lead programmes of work in response to the Group and Te Pae Aronui key priority areas.
- Provide leadership and mentoring to staff in own team and across wider Te Pae Aronui and Te Tahuhu teams.
- Provide advice to ensure effort is focused on where it has the most impact.
- Ensure recommendations and decisions made are evidence-based.
- Collaboratively work with your team members to support individual professional development plans.
- Identify critical gaps, risks and opportunities, and provide advice and support in addressing these.
- Report on operational delivery and provide information and resources to support other groups within the Ministry.
Salary range: $118,371 - $143,760 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.
For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here
About you | Mohou ake
To be successful in this role you will have experience in the Public sector and awareness of political and ministerial accountability cycles and reporting. You will have proven experience in working in a fast-paced environment and be able to manage multiple changing priorities whilst delivering strategic and analytical advice to senior leaders across the Ministry and external stakeholders.
You will also offer:
- A track record of bringing people together and leading, coaching and mentoring others to achieve outcomes.
- Excellent interpersonal and both written and oral communication skills.
- Political awareness and nous and ability to navigate government processes and navigate ambiguity in a complex environment.
- Develops effective working relationships and builds credibility with customers at all levels, team members, and colleagues in Te Mahau and across Te Tahuhu. The ability to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
About our ministry, group, and team | Matau ropu ake
Te Pae Aronui was established within Te Mahau to provide the education sector with support and services that are more locally responsive, more accessible, and integrated.
It is the place where everything Te Tahuhu does for akonga can come together. We gather insights, regulate, have service design and delivery functions, understand akonga, whanau, communities and businesses - and use that to shape and influence the direction of education in Aotearoa New Zealand.
As part of Te Mahau, we work with whanau, hapu, iwi, early learning services and schools / kura, to support akonga and kaiako to create interactions in the magic space where learning happens.
Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi?
If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and CV by using the `apply' button below. In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values, your whakapapa or anything you'd like to share about your cultural identity. We're keen to know your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.
For further information, please contact Hester Goodwin at hester.goodwin@education.govt.nz
Applications close midnight on Wednesday, 3 September 2025.
We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.