Principal Advisor | Northland

Job Description

Principal Advisor

Office of Treaty Settlements and Takutai Moana | Te Tari Whakatau

Fixed-term role, Northland based

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

If you're looking for a role where your expertise, your heart for people and your ability to navigate complexity genuinely matter, this is it.

Join us in Te Tai Tokerau as a Principal Advisor and play a central role in working alongside ngā hapū o Ngāpuhi as they consider their pathway toward Treaty settlement negotiations. This is high-impact, relationship‑centred mahi at one of the most important tables in Aotearoa.

This role will energise you if you love weaving together people, perspectives and possibilities. You'll be at the forefront of working with hapū to make decisions that shape their future — and the Crown's relationship with them — for generations.

The Principal Advisor role centres on utilising local knowledge and relationships to assist progression of mandates for ngā hapū o Ngāpuhi to enter Treaty settlement negotiations. It will involve:

• helping groups navigate mandate discussions and move confidently through the mandate process,
• anticipating challenges and keeping momentum alive when things get tough,
• representing Te Tari Whakatau in discussions with groups and in engagements with government agencies,
• negotiating effectively to reach timely outcomes while preserving trust and long-term relationships,
• providing sharp, influential advice that helps Ministers understand what truly matters,
• coaching and uplifting others — because you know leadership is more than your own mahi,

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 the north, and lifting the quality of work within Te Tari Whakatau.

As a member of your hapori, the role may challenge your relationships when perspectives in the community differ from the advice you provide in the course of your work. Being able to manage perceived conflicts and maintain your current community relationships is a big part of the job.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

We're looking for someone who brings both experience and heart — someone who understands people, systems and kaupapa Māori, and is energised by navigating all three.

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

• Proven experience upholding the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Strong grounding in te ao Māori, with te reo Māori capability an advantage.
• Strong local knowledge and relationships and ability to build new relationships.
• Confidence working with iwi and hapū, an understanding of the Treaty settlement process and Māori-Crown policy frameworks.
• Facilitation and delivery experience across social, economic and environmental sectors, particularly in Kaupapa Māori and Māori Crown partnerships.
• Highly developed problem solving skills.
• Excellent judgement and political awareness, the ability to navigate sensitive issues.
• - A track record of influencing across government, crafting excellent policy advice, and supporting Ministerial and Cabinet processes.
• Outstanding communication — clear, empathetic, and grounded in purpose.

Mō mātou/About us

Te Tari Whakatau is a unique place to work — a small, values-driven agency with deep history and national impact. Our whakapapa spans Te Arawhiti, the Office of Treaty Settlements and the earliest days of Treaty policy within government.

Our purpose is simple and profound: restoring and strengthening the Māori Crown relationship.

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 Sunday 12 April 2026.  We will also be reviewing applications as they come in.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz.  Also follow us on LinkedIn