Senior Policy Advisor - Wellington, Permanent Full Time

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. Success is not the work of one, but the work of many.

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

Shape the policy that shapes justice in Aotearoa.

We're looking for permanent Senior Policy Advisors to join our Policy Group, working on some of the most complex and consequential issues facing the justice system.

You’ll lead live policy work that lands on Ministers’ desks and help build the next generation of policy talent coming up behind you.

If you’ve got strong policy judgement, can turn complexity into explicit advice, and build relationships easily, whether that is with a Minister’s office or a community group, we want to hear from you.

For the full picture of what this role involves, read the position description before you apply.

What's on offer

- Real influence over policy that affects the lives of New Zealanders.
- The opportunity to develop your leading and mentoring skills.
- A broad, varied portfolio including criminal justice, courts and anti-money laundering, with future potential to work across other policy areas.

Ō Pūkenga/Skills And Experience

You’ll bring strong problem-solving and analytical skills, excellent relationship management and communication, the ability to prioritise and deliver across multiple workstreams, sound knowledge of the machinery of Government,



and experience working across cross-agency projects and system governance arrangements. A relevant tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience) and the right to work in New Zealand are essential. Legislative process experience is a bonus, not a requirement.

Mō Mātou/About Us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here

Benefits

- 4.4 weeks holiday leave
- an online professional development portal
- access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

See our full range of benefits here.

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $112,766 to $145,388, and will be based on skills and experience.

Tono mai/Apply

Applications close Sunday 16 August 2026. We will review CVs as they come in and invite candidates to interview before the close date.

If you have any questions, please contact

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📌 Senior Policy Advisor (Wellington)
🏢 Public Defence Service - New Zealand
📍 Wellington