Job Description

Research Assistant

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

Te Tari Whakatau – the Office for Treaty Settlements and Takutai Moana is looking to fill two short-term vacancies that will conclude on 27 June 2025. These roles have potential to be either full time or part time between 20 and 40 hours per week. Please indicate in your cover letter your availability and preference for full-time or part-time employment.

Research assistants hired through this advertisement will support tasks related to the Crown's settlement of Treaty of Waitangi claims. As part of a team of ten historians, research assistants will undertake tasks including:

• identifying and analysing historical materials relevant to Treaty of Waitangi settlement processes
• compiling and indexing research results to be clear and accessible
• preparing information for internal audiences and other government departments
• writing tasks as directed which may include summarizing evidence, checking references, and proofreading

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

In this role, you will bring historical research, analytical, and communication skills to support the team's work. This may include many of the following:

• experience with accessing sources of historical information
• a sound knowledge of historical research methods and best practices
• an ability to assess complex information and clearly communicate findings
• an ability to work in a collaborative and adaptable manner
• a commitment to high standards of accuracy and integrity in research and documentation

Mō mātou/About us

Te Tari Whakatau is a Departmental Agency of Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice. Our mahi focuses on the Crown addressing its historical breaches of, and obligations under, Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We work to restore the Crown's relationship with Māori and help recognise Māori customary rights under Takutai Moana legislation.

Joining Te Tari Whakatau and Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities, and religions. 

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:

• 4 weeks holiday leave per annum (pro rata)
• an online professional development portal
• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

See our full range of benefits here.

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The remuneration band for this role is $59,729 to $80,794 – while the appointing salary will be based on skills and experience, we are willing to pay higher in the band to attract strong candidates into this role.

Tono mai/Apply

You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on 18 May 2025; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and may invite candidates to interview before the close date. Interviews will take place during the week of 19 May 2025 with an anticipated start state of 2 June 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz

Follow us on LinkedIn