Principal Advisor Issues and Resolution

• Senior leadership role shaping how DOC resets and governs its conservation regulatory system

• High trust role supporting Directors on strategy, governance, delivery and ministerial engagement

• Wellington CBD location

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa.

He angitūtanga | About the role

This role reports to the Director of Regulatory Authorisations in the Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitors Group, and sits at the heart of DOC’s conservation regulatory system.

DOC is reshaping how its regulatory system operates, including how permissions and regulatory issues are managed, through a multi‑year Regulatory Modernisation Programme. This work requires people who can see the whole system, apply sound judgement, and progress complex issues with clarity and care.

As Principal Advisor, you will support the Directors in Regulatory Services and wider leadership teams, to drive effective leadership, delivery and support across the Group. You will maintain an overview of Regulatory Services’ work programme, provide strategic advice on key priorities, and contribute to the design and delivery of major initiatives.

The Principal Advisor will play a key role in supporting the Group’s relationship with the Minister and other key stakeholders, including government agencies. You will bring sound advice and practical judgement to progress key priorities, while helping foster a culture that keeps the Group connected, focused on results and future-ready.

This is a role for someone who thrives on pace, complexity and influence — someone who can think strategically, communicate clearly, build strong relationships, and turn direction into delivery while building trust and confidence.

The position will focus on

• Supporting the Directors in Regulatory Services by providing high quality advice on critical issues and the work programme and preparing papers and reports that clearly communicate risks and opportunities

• Leading corporate and business planning support across Regulatory Services, while overseeing the resolution of high-priority regulatory issues

• Building strong and effective relationships with key stakeholders

• Ensuring effective partnership and collaboration across internal DOC Groups

• Identifying system and process improvements and influencing change

• Working as an honourable Treaty partner to strengthen Māori engagement in issue resolution

• Role‑modelling senior leadership, clear communication and effective issues management

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You will be a senior public sector practitioner with the credibility, judgement and systems perspective to operate effectively at Principal level.

To make an impact in this role you will demonstrate:

• Proven strategic experience working in or supporting senior leaders within public sector organisations, ideally in a regulatory environment

• Proven ability to operate at a system level, with a strategic mindset, and lead work through to completion in a fast-paced environment

• Political savvy and understanding of the ‘machinery of government’

• A strong understanding of governance, risk and accountability in complex systems

• Proven experience managing high‑risk, high‑profile or ministerially sensitive issues

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong relationship‑management skills and the ability to influence across senior stakeholders

• Experience leading or contributing to system reset, change or process improvement initiatives

• Ability to inspire and motivate others while fostering a culture which values teamwork, development and continuous improvement

• Understanding or willingness to learn Māori tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

• Commitment to working in genuine partnership with Māori and acting as an honourable Treaty partner

Desirable

• Experience in conservation natural resources or regulatory environments.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What’s in it for you?

You’ll work on some of DOC’s most visible and complex regulatory challenges, with real influence over how the system performs now and into the future. The role offers strong exposure to senior decision‑making and is well‑suited to experienced Principals looking to step into broader leadership and governance responsibilities.

At DOC, our integrity grounds us, our connections take us further together, and we empower ourselves and others to do the best work for nature and New Zealand. DOC is committed to working as an honourable Treaty Partner.

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.

Please indicate in your covering letter your salary expectations.

Your experience may come from mahi on the marae, with your iwi or hapū, through community or volunteer work, or other professional roles.

Please note, due to the high volume of applications, unfortunately we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Friday 5 June 2026.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact: Annie Colebrook at ***email_hidden***