Kaitohutohu Matua | Wellington

Job Description

Mō te Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata – About the Ombudsman

The Chief Ombudsman works with his staff to help New Zealanders in their dealings with government agencies. The focus is on handling complaints against government agencies, undertaking investigations and inspections, and encouraging good administration. The Chief Ombudsman is independent and impartial, with the goal of fairness for all.

Mō tō mātou tira – About the team

The Rōpū Māori Hononga Hapori (Māori and Community Engagement team) provides community engagement and outreach, supports Pūhara Mana Tangata and provides guidance for Te Ao Māori practice within the Ombudsman's offices. The team is also focused on building outreach and engagement through a programme of work that has a specific focus on Ethnic and Pacific Communities to meet the Chief Ombudsman's strategic intentions.

The Te Ao Māori Transformation Programme is a strategy-led, leader-led, systems-wide approach to develop organisational capability and sustainability to enable our people to confidently work with and beside Māori. Two major projects form the Te Ao Māori Transformation Programme - Te Ao Māori Strategy Project and Te Ao Māori Cultural Capability Development Project.

Mō te tūranga - About the role

The Kaitohutohu Matua/Senior Advisor Māori and Community Engagement is a significant role in providing organisational guidance with strategic and operational advice in respect of community outreach across underrepresented communities, including Māori, Pacific, Ethnic, and Youth.

The role is a key influencer and support in coordinating and implementing the Ombudsman's Te Ao Māori Strategy and Te Ao Māori Cultural Development Programme. The role has a focus on lifting internal Māori cultural capability and capacity through embedding Te Tiriti, tikanga, Te reo Māori within practices.

The role also supports work programmes across other portfolios within Rōpū Māori. 

This role will involve regular domestic travel and will be discussed further with suitable candidates.

He kōrero mōu – About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A strong ability to build and maintain effective relationships, particularly with iwi Māori, and with Pacific, Ethnic and youth communities. Deep understanding of tikanga and Te Ao Māori, and fluency in Te Reo Māori.
• Significant skills, knowledge and experience in developing and implementing organisational strategies, policies and practices.
• Experience working with government agencies and diverse groups, such as Iwi/Māori, Pacific, Ethnic, youth, NGO's and community-based organisations.
• Extensive skills, knowledge and experience to clearly and concisely convey information and ideas in both oral and written communication format with demonstrated success in business writing.
• Good level of proficiency in Te Reo and Tikanga Māori speaking and writing and confidence with public speaking.
• Ability to engage sensitively and constructively with others, with an awareness of each person's own personal journey and aspirations.

Te painga o te mahi tahi me mātou - Our benefits, what we offer

Become part of an exceptional team in a dynamic organisation, where the work is challenging and rewarding. Your development and growth will be nurtured, and your work recognised and valued.

• Genuine career progression opportunities and professional development through training and mentoring by senior members of your team
• Flexible working options
• Competitive remuneration
• Three extra Annual Leave days after 12 months of employment
• Onsite gym and personal trainer, free to all employees
• Three paid office holidays between Christmas and New Year
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Me pēhea te tono - How to apply

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now' button where you will need to register through our online career centre, complete our application form and upload your CV and cover letter. For further information about this vacancy please email [email protected].

All applicants will have a legal entitlement to work in New Zealand. Appointees will be subject to a criminal convictions check and may be required to achieve and maintain a NZ Government (NZSIS) security clearance.

As the Ombudsman's role is to provide “fairness for all” New Zealanders, it is important that our staff represent New Zealanders from all walks of life. We value your individuality and how you can contribute to our team. We encourage applicants from all walks of life.

Depending on skills and experience the salary is expected to be between $112,485 to $147,636 with $140,606 being the mid-point.

This role is based in Wellington. Applications close 5pm, 7 August 2026.