Policy Advisor

Everybody should have a place to live that is warm, dry, safe, stable and affordable, with access to the support they need to live healthy, successful lives.

Te Tuapapa Kura Kainga - The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) leads Aotearoa - New Zealand's housing and urban development work programme.

Mo te tunga | About the role

We are seeking two highly motivated and collaborative advisors to work within the Housing Market and Urban Performance Branch of our Policy Group. This branch develops policy and legislation to address issues and opportunities with the underlying drivers of housing supply and urban performance.

The roles sit in two different teams that each have a different focus area. The teams and their work programmes are closely connected so the roles are being recruited jointly.

The roles available are:

• Permanent role in the Urban Development and Infrastructure team. This team works across the organisation and with other Government agencies to deliver policy advice on Going for Housing Growth (particularly legislative change relating to infrastructure funding and financing), and government's urban development legislation, funds and programmes.
• Permanent role within the Housing and Rental Markets team A key focus of our Housing and Rental Markets Team is providing advice on policy issues within the rental market. In particular, looking at a range of policy issues regarding the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and regulation of property managers Our team is also working on a review of the Retirement Villages Act. This role will contribute to both areas of work. This role naturally lends itself to someone with regulatory and legislative policy experience, but this is not essential.

Please indicate in your cover letter which role you would like to apply for or your preference order if you are interested in multiple.

In each of the roles you will get the chance to work on high-profile and challenging projects which are key priorities for this Government. We have a focus on delivering high quality work in a supportive and fun way, and we are committed to your development.

Your aptitude is more important than your background. We need inquisitive, critical, strategic thinkers with strong communication skills who can work effectively to deadlines. Your experience could be from a range of areas (e.g. Policy, Economics, Law etc.). You will build strong relationships across the Ministry and the sector. You will contribute to key pieces of work, working flexibly to adapt to changing needs and priorities.


O wheako, o pukenga | About you

The roles have different focusses so it's not essential to have all of the skills below. However, your skills and experience will include several of:

• Someone who thrives in a dynamic and challenging work environment
• Experience in policy
• A good understanding of operating in a government context and an environment where being flexible, adaptable, and agile is key.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal), and a track record of working effectively with and maintaining the trust of colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Experience in working collaboratively across teams and organisations.

Passionate about housing as a foundation for whanau well being

The salary range for this role is $73,946 - $90,378 + 3% Kiwisaver contribution.

Nga painga | What we offer

• Flexible working policy to give work/life balance
• Engaging employee-led people networks that celebrate diversity, provide safe spaces, and encourage thought-leadership
• Modern office space and cloud-based technology that allows for joined up, cohesive collaboration
• Wellbeing initiatives, tools and courses, and a discounted health insurance scheme
• Open minds - we aren't afraid of change and encourage fresh approaches and ideas from people who want to make a difference
• We work to make sure the aspirations of whanau, hapu and iwi are enabled
• We have a stepped remuneration framework where salary movement happens through defined step increases within a role salary band. Appointment to a salary step will depend on the experience and skills the person brings to the role which will be better known following a recruitment process including an interview
• Salaries automatically move up a step on an annual basis

Me pehea te tuku tono | How to apply

To apply for any of these roles please click on the APPLY button to be directed to the application page, from here you can upload your CV and cover letter. Please note, while applications close on Tuesday 20 May 2025, we will be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.

Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

For tracking and evaluation purposes, all applications must be submitted via our on-line process. You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be eligible for this position.

For further inquiries please contact