Ko wai mātou | Who are we

 Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is a hapū of Ngāti Whātua. We live in and around the Tāmaki isthmus. We hold to our mana motuhake, our history, our culture, our identity, and our reo. Our whakapapa traces to Tuperiri and the hapū Ngā Oho, Te Taoū, and Te Uringutu.

We are tangata whenua in Tāmaki. Our authority over land and sea rests on take tupuna, take raupatu, ahi kā, and tuku whenua.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust looks after the collective affairs of our hapū. We have more than 8,000 registered members across Aotearoa and overseas. Ōrākei Marae is our cultural hub.

Te Kahu Tōpuni o Tuperiri describes the protective reach of our ancestor across our rohe.

Purpose of the role

We are looking an experienced and strategic Principal Advisor Policy & Research to play a critical leadership role within Toi Ahunga - Strategy directorate.

This senior full time position is responsible for leading high-quality research, policy analysis, and strategic advice on complex local and central government issues that impact Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. You will support informed decision-making at Executive and Board level, shape organisational positioning, and strengthen relationships with key external stakeholders across government, iwi, and the wider policy landscape.

Working closely with the Toi Ahunga Chief Strategy Officer, leaders, and partners, you will help ensure the aspirations, rights, and priorities of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei are clearly articulated, well-evidenced, and strategically advanced.

This is a unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of strategy, policy, research, and kaupapa Māori leadership, contributing to outcomes that will shape the future of our iwi.

Ngā tino pūkenga / wheako | Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in political studies, public policy, economics, or a related discipline

• Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in policy advisory, research, or similar senior roles

• Proven experience providing strategic advice to senior leaders and governance groups

• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and research skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office

Desirable:

• Experience working with iwi Māori-focussed agencies, government departments or similar organisations

• Deep understanding of public policy, political landscape and associated networks

• Proven ability to provide significant research in terms of both breadth and depth of research and insights

• Proven ability to identify and quantify opportunities within a political landscape  

Key Result Areas

• Lead analysis and development of evidence-based policy positions and responses

• Provide politically sound, strategic advice to Executive Leadership and the Board

• Design and oversee high-quality, culturally appropriate research projects

• Build and maintain effective relationships with government, iwi, and external stakeholders

• Advocate for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei priorities in external forums

• Monitor and evaluate policy and programme impacts, recommending improvements

• Lead and develop a high-performing policy and research team

• Uphold the values, tikanga, and mātāpono of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei across all work

Our values & competencies

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate alignment with the following core values:

• Resilience

• Whānau outcome focused

• Collaboration

• Cultural understanding

Requirements & Checks

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.

Please be aware that shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo:

• Police Vetting

• Qualification Check

Apply Now

If this role aligns with your experience and aspirations, please click ‘Apply for this job’ at the top or bottom of the page.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact:
peopleperformance@nwo.iwi.nz

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may be held prior to the closing date, we encourage early applications.