Principal Advisor
Office of Treaty Settlements and Takutai Moana | Te Tari Whakatau
Fixed‐term and Permanent roles, Wellington based.
Overview
We are seeking hard‐working, talented and motivated Principal Advisors to join our Negotiation and Settlement teams. The Principal Advisor role centres on delivering Treaty settlements and will involve the following.
Responsibilities
* Confidently representing Te Tari Whakatau in negotiations with settling groups and in engagements with government agencies.
* Negotiating effectively to reach timely outcomes while preserving trust and long‐term relationships.
* Leading the resolution of complex, multi‐party issues, finding a clear way forward in ambiguous circumstances and making sound decisions in fast‐moving situations.
* Building and maintaining momentum, driving issues to resolution, anticipating roadblocks, coordinating across parties, and keeping people aligned and informed.
* Providing clear, concise and well‐judged advice to Ministers.
* Building the capability of analysts and advisors through active coaching and development.
* Strengthening the quality of advice by maintaining strong professional relationships across government and lifting the quality of negotiation and policy work within Te Tari Whakatau.
Qualifications
* Deep experience working in complex, multi‐party environments, ideally involving negotiations or government processes.
* Highly developed problem‐solving skills.
* Strong relationship‐building capability.
* Excellent judgement and political awareness, the ability to navigate sensitive issues.
* Confidence working with iwi and hapū, an understanding of the Treaty settlement process and Māori‐Crown policy frameworks.
* Extensive government experience with a strong track record in policy development, cross‐agency collaboration, and supporting Ministerial, Cabinet and Select Committee processes.
* Exceptional communication skills, able to produce clear, concise and nuanced advice.
About Us
Te Tari Whakatau is a departmental agency hosted by the Ministry of Justice. Our organisational whakapapa traces back through Te Arawhiti.
* The Office for Māori Crown Relations (2019‐2025), the Office of Treaty Settlements (1995‐2019) and the Treaty of Waitangi Policy Unit formed in 1989.
* We have a central role in restoring and enhancing Māori‐Crown relationships, focused on reconciliation, settlement and recognition, making a significant contribution to New Zealand's future.
* Our values guide everything we do: Mahi Tahi, Working together; Pono ki te kaupapa, In good faith and Atawhaitia, With humility and authenticity.
How to Apply
Applications close on 2 April 2026. 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 and cover letter.
The appointing salary for this role will be between $130,129 and $168,062 based on skills and experience.
We will also be reviewing CVs as they come in and may invite candidates to interview before the close date.
If you have any questions, please contact. Also follow us on LinkedIn.
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