Principal Advisor

• Influence policy and decisions affecting Māori in Tāmaki Makaurau
• Provide strategic advice and advocacy for Houkura
• Support Te Tiriti responsibilities and meaningful Māori engagement
• Build influential relationships across council and government

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

We have an exciting full-time opportunity for an experienced Principal Advisor to support Houkura – Independent Māori Statutory Board in delivering its work programme and fulfilling its legislative purpose. As a key focus area for Houkura, you’ll advocate for and influence council policies, submissions, investments and projects relating to the Schedule of Issues of Significance to Māori. You’ll monitor progress against key frameworks, report on Houkura strategic focus areas and provide briefings and advice to Houkura members participating in council committees. By building strong relationships across the Auckland Council Group, central government and Māori communities, you’ll help ensure Māori perspectives and aspirations meaningfully inform decisions affecting Tāmaki Makaurau.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic policy, planning and technical advice across social, environmental, economic and cultural matters, including associated funding and budget implications.
• Develop position papers, submissions and advocacy advice that address the Issues of Significance, driving agreed advocacy priorities through to implementation, while providing regular reporting.
• Support Houkura members through committee briefings, research and advice, enabling them to participate effectively in council governance and decision-making.
• Provide leadership on Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities and statutory obligations to Māori, supporting meaningful engagement with mana whenua, mātāwaka and Māori stakeholders.
• Strengthen relationships across the Council Group, central government and external organisations while mentoring colleagues and improving the systems, workflows and ways of working of Houkura.

Click this link to access the Position Description

He kōrero mōu: About You

You’ll be an experienced and politically astute policy professional with a genuine commitment to creating positive change for Māori in Tāmaki Makaurau. You’ll understand the place of Te Tiriti o Waitangi within local government and bring a high level of capability in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga. A confident strategic advisor, you’ll communicate complex issues clearly, provide sound advice to Houkura members and navigate sensitive political environments with diplomacy, integrity and neutrality. Your collaborative leadership style will help you influence outcomes, build trusted relationships and contribute to a culture of high impact, continuous improvement and excellence.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, business management, humanities, environmental studies, Māori development or a related discipline.
• Significant policy and report-writing experience, including approximately six to seven years in advisory roles and at least two to three years operating at a senior advisory level.
• At least four to five years’ experience working across Māori policy, implementation and formal engagement with Māori, supported by a strong written and verbal understanding of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga.
• Excellent relationship-management, communication and political-navigation skills, with experience providing strategic advice and working effectively within a complex public-sector environment.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What We Offer

Auckland Council is one of the largest local authorities in the South Pacific, providing essential services and facilities to more than 1.5 million people. We are committed to environmental action and delivering a transformational shift for Māori living in Tāmaki Makaurau.

In return for your hard work, you can expect a flexible and supportive work environment and lots of opportunities for growth and development. You’ll work with a team of remarkable and talented professionals who have a passion for delivering outcomes with and for Māori. On top of this, as part of our Auckland Council Group, you will gain access to many benefits and discounts. To view some of our key staff benefits, click this link. 

If you have any questions about this role, please email me kennedy.sua@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Applications close: Tuesday 10 November 2026 

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.