Job Description

Principal Advisor

Office of Treaty Settlements and Takutai Moana | Te Tari Whakatau

Fixed-term and Permanent roles, Wellington based

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

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. It will involve:

• 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 and driving issues to resolution, anticipating roadblocks, coordinating across parties, and keeping people aligned and informed,
• providing clear, concise and well-judged advice to Ministers.

The role also involves 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.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

The successful candidate is likely to have many of the following:

• 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.

Mō mātou/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 to 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, our work makes 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. You will join an agency deeply committed to service, fairness, and shaping a better future for Aotearoa.

Tono mai/How to Apply

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.

Applications close on 2 April 2026.  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 recruitment@justice.govt.nz.  Also follow us on LinkedIn