Principal Advisor - School Transport

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

This is a permanent full-time position where you can have an impact on the delivery of barrier-free access to education. We are seeking a motivated Principal Advisor to join our School Transport Group.

You will work in a great, supportive team to:

• Develop innovative, practical and effective operational policy options for School Transport
• Deliver high quality analysis and advice for Ministers and School Transport staff
• Lead programmes of work that may be complex, ambiguous and sensitive
• Build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and agencies
• Identify and develop opportunities to give practical effect to Te Tiriti
• Identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement within the business

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

About you | Mōhou ake

We're looking for experienced professionals that are happy working in an operational policy space. We are interested in hearing about any form of experience, in policy 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

At Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga, we work to provide services and support nationally, regionally and locally to the education sector, and in some cases, directly to ākonga and whanau.

School Transport sits within Te Pae Aronui | Operations and Integration - Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education, a division that brings together the power of information, insights - including whānau voice - and service design capability to help frontline groups effectively deliver today and design services tomorrow.

School Transport is the second largest procurer of public transport services in the country (after Auckland Transport) and spends around $255m each year assisting over 100,000 ākonga to school each day. As a group, we work collaboratively, react positively to challenges and pride ourselves on innovative school transport solutions. We are proud of our mahi and the culture of our teams. We appreciate and support each other and develop strong relationships that underpin our ability to deliver good work. 

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 Rhona Hewitt, Manager Performance at Rhona.hewitt@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight Sunday 19 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.