Principal Advisor - Office of the Hautū

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

• Opportunity for an Immediate start!
• Fixed Term or Secondment until November 2026

This is a Fixed Term or secondment opportunity based in Wellington.


The Principal Advisor leads the coordination and delivery of work programmes across a variety of relationships to support the General Manager contributing thought leadership and expertise to strategic priorities, work programmes and complex system issues to support the achievement of outcomes aligned to the Ministry’s purpose and agreed strategies.

The Principal Advisor will operate with a high degree of judgement and understanding of complexity and managing risks to ensure all activities are delivered to a high standard. The Principal Advisor is expected to work flexibly across Te Pae Aronui and the Ministry with a strengths-based approach, to match resource with identified priorities and maximise collective impact.  It is also important for the Principal Advisor to develop networks at all levels of the organisation and the sector.

Salary range: $119,171 - $144,560 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. 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 Principal Advisor - Office of the Hautū

About you | Mōhou ake

We're looking for experienced professionals that are happy working in an operational space. We are interested in hearing about any form of experience, in policy, frontline operations, sector engagement or otherwise, you have that would benefit our mahi.

To be successful in the role, you need to be curious and a critical thinker and problem solver. You'll be a great communicator and work collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders, developing relationships at all levels.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of, Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of, te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.

You will also demonstrate:

• An ability to bring people together and lead, coach and mentor others to achieve outcomes.
• A proven ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities, to influence and guide organisational and system-level decision making.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise advice, and effectively communicate in a diverse range of settings.
• An ability to work independently and collaborate in a fast-paced environment, with high attention to accuracy and detail.
• Experience of leading and fostering a collaborative and continuous improvement focused culture.
• Understanding of Machinery of Government, public sector delivery structures, and systems.
• Ability to work within the Ministry structures, policies, and priorities, influencing improvement opportunities and creating synergy.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Pae Aronui was established within Te Mahau to provide the education sector with support and services that are more locally responsive, more accessible, and integrated.

It is the place where everything Te Tāhuhu does for ākonga can come together. We gather insights, regulate, have service design and delivery functions, understand ākonga, whānau, communities and businesses - and use that to shape and influence the direction of education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

As part of Te Mahau, we work with whānau, hāpu, iwi, early learning services and schools / kura, to support ākonga and kaiako to create interactions in the magic space where learning happens.

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 Hester Goodwin, General Manager, Office of the Hautū at Hester.Goodwin@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight Thursday 16 October 2025

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.