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 Digital provides senior thought leadership and technical
advice across a once‑in‑a‑generation system transformation, NZ’s new Planning
System. This is a pivotal role working closely with the Chief Digital Officer
(CDO) to shape, test and land advice that enables modern, integrated and
user‑centred digital platforms across a complex, multi‑agency environment. You
see technology as a key enabler and will be a strong advocate for the end user,
the people who will engage and use this new system. This is a fixed term
position to 30 June 2027.
You will operate as a trusted advisor, helping ensure digital initiatives are
coherent, scalable, secure and aligned with government direction, while
supporting delivery that is practical, inclusive and capable of adoption at
scale.
Key responsibilities include:
* Providing future‑focused, evidence‑based digital advice to senior leaders,
supporting the CDO to advance system‑level digital strategy and delivery.
* Contributing to the design and assurance of national digital platforms and
services, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture, all‑of‑government
standards and GCDO expectations.
* Translating complex technical concepts into clear, decision‑ready advice for
senior decision‑makers.
* Supporting effective engagement across central and local government,
iwi/Māori, technology partners and the wider sector to enable coordinated
digital outcomes.
* Coaching and uplifting digital capability and quality practice across teams
and work programmes, including through peer review and assurance networks.
Skills and experience
* Significant experience delivering or advising on large‑scale, complex digital
initiatives, ideally across multi‑agency or system‑wide environments.
* A human centred focus with deep expertise in digital platforms, user and
service design, enterprise architecture, agile delivery and/or digital
governance.
* Proven ability to produce high‑quality written advice and influence senior
leaders in complex and ambiguous contexts.
* Strong relationship‑building skills, with the credibility to engage
confidently with technical specialists, policy leaders and executives.
* Demonstrated capability to embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori
perspectives into digital design and delivery.
* Agility, sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities while
maintaining quality and momentum.
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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