Senior Policy Advisor | Infrastructure And Environment

Senior Policy Advisor | Infrastructure and Environment

Date : 15 Sept 2025

Location : Wellington, NZ, 6011

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

Lead advice on the resource management system and other complex policy challenges

Work across MBIE on a mix of high-profile infrastructure and environment policy issues

Be part of a high-performing team that has a supportive culture, focused on giving people the opportunities they need to develop their career

Permanent Wellington-based position

Salary range : $110,098 - $138,028 plus KiwiSaver and wellness benefit

The Government is progressing a major reform of New Zealand's resource management system, replacing the Resource Management Act with two new pieces of legislation – the Natural Environment Act and the Planning Act.

We're looking for a Senior Policy Advisor to represent MBIE's interests as the new system is finalised and implemented.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a nationally significant reform and help shape how the new system is put into practice.

You'll work across MBIE and with other government agencies to provide high-quality, actionable advice.

Your focus will include :

Leading MBIE's input into the resource management reform process

Advising on how the new system intersects with MBIE's portfolios

Supporting MBIE's engagement with other agencies and stakeholders

You'll also contribute to a range of related policy areas, including :

Climate change policy (e.g. the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme, mitigation and adaptation)

Advice on implementation of the Fast Track Approvals Act

Strategic advice to MBIE's Senior Leadership Team and Ministers

About the Team

The Infrastructure and Environment Team applies an economic lens to infrastructure and environmental policy.

We work across MBIE and with other agencies to provide coordinated, strategic advice.

The team sits within the Communications, Infrastructure and Trade Branch, and is part of the wider Building, Resources and Markets Group.

We're a collaborative, high-performing team that values diverse perspectives and supports professional growth.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required

We are looking for an experienced senior policy advisor who can solve complex problems and formulate high-quality policy advice.

Ideally you will have :

A good base of experience in public policy as a Senior Policy Advisor

Strong knowledge of policy development disciplines and processes

Strong stakeholder relationship building, influencing and engagement skills to gain the cooperation and commitment of others

The ability to work through ambiguity and deliver results

A commitment to developing the capability and expertise of others through coaching and mentoring

An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and application of these in public policy and in partnership with Maori

Preferably, an understanding of the resource management system and familiarity with the current reforms

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

Maia– Bold and brave

Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future

Our aspirations are echoed in our Maori identity – Hikina Whakatutuki – which broadly means 'lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Maori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Maori, other Maori groups / organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Maori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand.

We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Maori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday, 7th October.

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