Principal Advisor, Ownership and Occupancy

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

• Permanent, full-time position.
• Wellington based preferred (but other locations may be considered).

The Principal Advisor, Ownership & Occupancy will support the Manager, Ownership & Occupancy in managing a range of responsibilities. This includes the management and development of policy associated with shared usage, joint investment and shared ownership arrangements. 

In addition, the role includes assisting in managing of one of the largest insurance programmes in the country. Our property insurance covers more than 15,000 school buildings. The focus is the provision of information and development of material to support the annual renewal process for MDBI and CW insurances. The role also supports the management of other insurance and risk management arrangements and supports the claims management functions.

In addition, you will support the Manager Ownership and Occupancy in managing a range of external supplier contracted services which ensure that school buildings remain in a safe and compliant condition and ensure that the Ministry’s property rights are accurately recorded and protected. This will include management of Easement requests. You will also work closely with other areas which manage alternative forms of property provision and tenure to ensure that the Ministry’s interests are managed appropriately.

Salary range: $119,171 - $144,560 per annum + KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the job description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

You will have experience working within large and complex organisations preferably within the context of a large-scale property portfolio environment. You will ideally have policy development skills, have excellent formal written communication style, have great problem-solving skills, and be creative.

In addition, having an understanding of the machinery of government and Ministerial servicing requirements, a background in land information including the Public Works Act 1981, and managing external supplier contracts, would be beneficial.

You will also offer have the ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct

You will be joining a team who are passionate about changing the way we work to improve the quality of school property, and committed to building transparent, ongoing partnerships that enable us to respond to the Government's school property priorities.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The School Property group manages one of the largest property portfolios in Aotearoa New Zealand, composed of over 2,100 primary and secondary state schools and over 8,000 hectares of land with a carrying value of $33.5 billion.

We have a responsibility to invest in property solutions that demonstrate value for money while still delivering the right outcome for our schools and kura.

The Ownership and Occupancy group sits within a broader team delivering a range of school property services including the setting of school design requirements, delivery of national property programmes, land acquisition and disposal, construction observation team and treaty settlements. We work with other divisions that are responsible for planning and funding the delivery of new schools and the maintenance of existing schools in collaboration with school boards

The School Property group is led by a Functional Chief Executive for School Property, who reports directly to the Minister for Education. In July 2025 the Government announced it will establish a Crown agent to manage school property, to be called the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA).  Implementation of the NZSPA is expected in 2026, subject to the legislation being passed.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Peter.Dykes@education.govt.nz

Applications close: Midnight, Sunday 28 June 2026.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.