Manager Policy (PN0511)

Vacancy 2025 / 24

Pou Arataki | Manager Policy

Te Aka | Policy, Performance & Insights

Permanent / Fulltime

Wellington

Salary Range $141,348 - $170,000

Ki te puāwai te ahurea, Ka ora te iwi

Culture is thriving, the people are well

We have an opportunity for an experienced leader to drive a strategic and future-focused policy work programme for our newly established Sport & Recreation Policy team. This is a permanent Tier 3 policy leadership role, reporting to the Deputy Secretary.

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role

Sport and recreation connects people, promotes wellbeing, and builds stronger communities. High performance sport inspires national pride, showcases excellence, and supports New Zealand’s presence on the world stage. Government investment in the sector supports New Zealanders, regardless of age, background, or ability, to participate in and benefit from active lifestyles, while also supporting our elite athletes to succeed internationally.

Our policy work spans all aspects of sport and recreation, from matters related to access and participation, to policy on high performance sport and international engagement on anti-doping. We work across government to contribute to broader policy work that has impacts for sport and recreation and provide policy stewardship of sport and recreation legislation.

You will lead a team of advisers with a focus on improving settings for the Sport & Recreation sector in New Zealand. You will work closely with the Policy Group leadership team to deliver high quality advice, including resource allocation and prioritization.

You will build strong relationships with a range of sector agencies and organisations, including Sport NZ, High Performance Sport NZ, Sport Integrity Commission and Sports Tribunal of NZ. You will engage with counterparts in other relevant policy agencies such as Treasury, MBIE and DIA and overseas. You will also have the opportunity to hear from and influence key players in the wider Sport & Recreation system.

Kōrero mōu | About you

To be successful in this role you will have :

• People leadership skills and experience, with a focus on motivating for success, supporting professional development needs and fostering a thriving team culture
• Strong analytical abilities, an inquiring mind, and a flair for providing Ministers and senior executives with free and frank advice, at pace and in challenging contexts
• Significant experience in leading policy development through to implementation, and strong understanding of the machinery of government in New Zealand
• A knack for creating and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships, and leading with integrity

To learn more about Manatū Taonga | Ministry for Culture & Heritage please explore our Corporate Website (mch.govt.nz).

Please download a copy of the full Position Description by clicking here

Me pēhea te tono | How to apply

For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the online process on our Careers Website

For enquiries about this position, please contact Marie Manaena, Executive Assistant -

Applications close 5pm on Wednesday 22 October 2025

Āheinga | Eligibility

If you are not a New Zealand citizen, you must hold current eligibility to work in New Zealand and for Manatū Taonga in order to work for Manatū Taonga. Please refer to the New Zealand Immigration Service for further information.

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