Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
* Fixed Term/Secondment to 30 June 2027, full-time opportunity
* Wellington based only
About us
The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) takes a
long-term view of how New Zealand’s towns, cities and regions grow and change.
We work across housing, transport, the environment, urban development,
infrastructure and investment, and partner closely with local government.
We provide joined-up policy and investment advice to government, support
effective regulation and market settings, and work with others to help deliver
affordable housing, connected communities, well-planned infrastructure, and a
healthy, sustainable environment.
About the role
The Principal Advisor Data Delivery provides system‑level thought leadership and
trusted advice to enable data‑driven reform across the Planning System. The role
focuses on strengthening data systems, standards, governance, and investment to
support policy intent, regulatory reform, and service delivery outcomes.
Operating at a strategic, cross‑system level, the Principal Advisor – Data acts
as a senior thought leader and adviser—shaping data priorities, influencing
decision‑making, and ensuring data investments translate into practical,
high‑value, and sustainable outcomes for users and decision‑makers.
The role plays a critical part in supporting senior leaders and Ministers with
clear, evidence‑based advice on data strategy, reform impacts, risk, and
investment trade‑offs, while stewarding the long‑term integrity and usability of
Planning System data.
Key responsibilities include:
* Providing system‑level leadership across data architecture,
standards, investment, governance, quality, and interoperability.
* Maintaining a holistic view of the Planning System data ecosystem,
identifying opportunities to improve data quality, accessibility, reuse, and
long‑term sustainability.
* Promoting coherent, standards‑based approaches to data design, collection,
sharing, and use across organisations and initiatives.
* Acting as a recognised authority and thought leader, influencing practice
across teams and partner organisations without direct authority.
* Working alongside product managers and delivery teams to shape delivery
approaches, resolve constraints, and manage trade‑offs.
* Providing high‑quality, trusted advice to senior leaders and Ministers on
digital strategy, delivery risks, investment trade‑offs, and reform impacts.
* Contributing to ministerial briefings, Cabinet material, business cases, and
other senior‑level advice related to digital enablement and service reform.
Skills and experience
* Extensive senior advisory experience across data strategy, data systems and
standards, data governance, or information management in complex
environments.
* Proven ability to influence senior decision‑making on data investment, system
reform, and data‑enabled change.
* Demonstrated ability to balance user needs, delivery constraints, policy
intent, and long‑term system outcomes.
* Highly developed influencing and stakeholder engagement skills across
strategy, policy, and delivery domains.
* Ability to lead and align multidisciplinary teams through influence rather
than formal authority.
* Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to
translate complex issues for non‑technical audiences.
* Understanding of the machinery of government and Treaty obligations.
Salary range
Salary range for this role is $143,891 – $174,927 pa. Appointment within this
range will be based on skills and experience.
Apply now
Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and
cover letter. Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment
process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key
skills required for this role.
If you require further information about this position, please contact Sally
Morison at sally.morison@mcert.govt.nz
We are committed to equal opportunities and building a diverse, inclusive
workplace. We support our people to work in ways that help them do their best.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing a
safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
We want our recruitment process to be fair and accessible for everyone. If you
need any support or adjustments, please let us know or get in touch
at recruitment@mcert.govt.nz [recruitment@mcert.govt.nz].
You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this
role.
Note: for our internal permanent people who are applying for a secondment, you
must speak with your manager before submitting your application.
Applications close: Sunday 16th August 2026
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