Senior Adviser Maori Engagement

The Ministry acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders.

Kia hangai ake e te Manatu he ao-haumaru, ao-tonui, ao-pumau, ki te oranga tonutanga mo Aotearoa whanui.

Senior Adviser Maori Engagement

• Contribute to the delivery of significant projects that involve specialist skills and knowledge.
• Support the ministry to ensure it has a Te Ao Maori approach to the Minsitry's work.
• Provide advice to the organsiation on its ongoing development in partnership with Maori.

Our Houtina division supports the Ministry's commitment to be an honourable Treaty partner through the provision of strategic and specific Te Ao Maori expertise.

Korero mo te turanga - About the role

We are seeking a Senior Adviser Maori Engagement to join our Houtina division, where you will play a key role in strengthening MFAT's relationships with iwi, hapu, and Maori in a meaningful and reciprocal way. This position offers a diverse range of responsibilities, including contributing to the development of MFAT's Iwi and Maori engagement strategy and external engagement with Iwi representatives and Maori organisations.

You may have noticed the ongoing construction at 61 Molesworth Street and wondered about the changes ahead. In September 2025, MFAT will bid farewell to its current headquarters at 195 Lambton Quay and embark on the next chapter of its journey. Known internally as the Head Office Relocation and Workplace Modernisation Programme, this project aims to create a new headquarters that deepens our connection with stakeholders and partners, reflects our identity as Aotearoa, and embodies our core values.

The Senior Adviser Maori Engagement will also support this important project by collaborating with the Maori Engagement Lead, mana whenua, and other key Maori stakeholders. In this role, you will take a strategic approach to ensure that Tikanga is honoured and that te ao Maori is integrated throughout the project, from planning through to delivery.

Day to day duties include:

• Provide guidance to Ministry leaders and team on engagement with Maori, ensuring it is appropriate and aligns with the overall strategic approach to parntership with Maori
• Planning partnership and engagement initiatives
• Providing practical and logistical support for engagement with Maori
• Working across MFAT on the Head Office Relocation and Workplace Modernisation Programme
• Attending engagements with Maori as appropriate
• Ensuring that the organisation is aware of and meets any engagement commitments agreed through Treaty settlements

For more detail you can view a copy of the position description here.

The salary range for this role is $124,674 to $146,675 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. Negotiable depending on skills and experience.

Ma wai te mahi nei? - Who are we looking for?

We'd like to hear from you if you are an experienced professional with the following skills and experience:

• Comfortable working in ambiguity and on complex matters
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles
• Proven trackrecord of building strong relationships
• Strong understanding of government
• A proven track record in working with Iwi and Maori

Ideally you would also have a strong understanding of tikanga (Maori customs and protocols), with the ability to weave te ao Maori (the Maori worldview) into your work.

Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu Aorere - Why MFAT?

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options. Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

MFAT is Rainbow Tick accredited. We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

You can find out more about our staff networks and our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here

Mo matou - About us

Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous. By building connections with and influencing other countries and international institutions, we advance New Zealand's interests and pursue New Zealand's values. We provide advice to the Government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world.

Me pehea te tuku tono - To Apply/Interested?

Apply today with your CV and cover letter.

If you have any patai about this opportunity please contact Anekah Amituanai.

To be considered for this position you must be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident and able to obtain and maintain a NZ Government National Security clearance at Confidential level.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Confidential security clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process:

http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

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

Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 26th March 2025.

Please note: This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role. This is a `Corporate' role (known here as a Specialist role) based in central Wellington, NZ.

While it is not usual for specialist staff to be `posted' outside of NZ, from time to time a specialist role overseas becomes available at one of our embassies, high commissions, missions or consulates. To be considered for one of these positions you would need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.

If you do have an interest in an MFAT foreign policy/diplomatic career, you would be welcome to apply for this either via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns.