Our Te Tai Hauāuru tīma is looking for a Kaitohutohu | Advisor. This role reports to a Manukura | Team Leader, is a permanent and full-time opportunity based in Nelson.
The Regions Puni is responsible for implementing Te Puni Kōkiri’s regional strategy and building strong relationships with hapori Māori. Through community engagement, insight gathering and policy advice, it supports initiatives that build capability and drive intergenerational transformation.
Te whai wāhitanga | The opportunity
Based in Nelson, this role offers the chance to join a collaborative and supportive team. You’ll be involved in a number of interesting and high-impact workstreams, with much of our mahi in Te Tai Hauāuru focused on working closely with Post‑Settlement Governance Entities (PSGEs), particularly across Te Upoko o Te Ika, Te Tau Ihu and Wharekauri (Chatham Islands). This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys meaningful, relationship‑based work and wants to make a tangible difference across the rohe.
The Advisor supports work with whānau, hapū, iwi, Māori organisations and communities to deliver initiatives that strengthen long‑term social and economic outcomes for Māori. You’ll support and maintain strong relationships with PSGEs across Te Upoko o Te Ika, Te Tau Ihu and Wharekauri and other Māori entities, and act as a key conduit between Te Puni Kōkiri, Māori communities and partners, ensuring information flows effectively in both directions.
The likely appointment range is $76,213 - $84,680, based on skills and experience.
For more information about the skills and experience required for this position, please see the job description below.
Mōu | About you
You will possess strong writing skills and the ability to tailor your writing for different audiences. You will be a critical thinker with the ability to identify and articulate the real issues and why they exist. You will support the development and implementation of initiatives that aim to improve long-term economic and social outcomes for Māori, based on these identified issues.
You will also have:
1. A willingness to build strong relationships with Māori communities, iwi, hapū, whānau and other government agencies
2. Demonstrated technical writing skills
3. Understanding of te reo me ōna tikanga
4. Public sector experience
5. An understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti ō Waitangi and recognise the importance of the Treaty/Tiriti from both Māori and Crown perspectives
A clean full driver license is essential for this role.
Tāu e whai ai | What you will get in return
Te Puni Kōkiri is a diverse and rewarding working environment full of passionate kaimahi focused on creating solutions that will help our communities. We are guided by our values of te wero, manaakitanga, he toa takitini and ture tangata.
There is more to life than just work and we encourage our kaimahi to maintain the right balance between mahi and their personal lives. Your whānau is just as important as you, so we're committed to providing incentives and opportunities that help our kaimahi and their whānau to thrive, including:
6. A range of allowances including childcare, optical, hauora/wellbeing and te reo Māori proficiency
7. Medical insurance discounts
8. Flexible working options
9. In house te reo Māori training
10. Kaimahi development and career options, including study assistance
11. Enhanced parental leave provisions
Te Puni Kōkiri | Ministry of Māori Development
We are committed to our vision of 'Thriving Whānau' - when whānau are thriving, so do their communities, hapū, iwi and all of Aotearoa. Te Puni Kōkiri leads policy advice to the Government on Māori development, and Iwi and Māori relations with the Crown. Our people are at the heart of the work we do – using our approaches to improve outcomes to, for and with Māori, and to drive our efforts to build an Aotearoa where whānau can all stand, thrive and belong.
Find out more about Our Story
We invite applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We believe that diversity fuels innovation and enriches our collective strength. Your unique perspectives, skills, and heritage contribute to our mission of advancing Māori aspirations and well-being.
Tono mai | Apply Now!
Ka aukati ngā tono hei te Rātapu 24 Haratua 2026 ā te 11.55pm |