Principal Advisor, Government Services - Planning, Funding & Outcomes

• Provide high-quality advice at the heart of Government Services
• Lead parliamentary, OIA, and ministerial response processes in a dynamic environment

About the Role

As Principal Advisor, Government Services, you will play a central role in supporting the integrity and delivery of government-facing functions across the Planning, Funding and Outcomes directorate. You will be responsible for the timely and accurate delivery of responses to Parliamentary Questions, Official Information Act requests, select committee requests, and ministerial correspondence. In this role, you will prepare high-quality advice, documents, and reporting, ensuring processes meet statutory and organisational requirements. You will also provide guidance and mentoring to colleagues to strengthen capability and quality across the team. A key part of this position is building and maintaining trusted relationships with Ministers' offices, Treasury, and other key government stakeholders, supporting confidence in Health New Zealand's systems and advice.

About the Team

The Government Services team sits within the Planning, Performance and Outcomes – Operations function and is responsible for ensuring Health New Zealand delivers on its statutory obligations while enabling transparent, timely, and high-quality responses to government and parliamentary requirements. You will report directly to the Group Manager, Operations and work closely with Directors and subject matter experts across the organisation.

About you

You are an experienced advisor with a strong understanding of the machinery of government and proven experience in managing ministerial, parliamentary, and OIA processes. You bring excellent analytical skills, political acumen, and attention to detail, along with the ability to produce high-quality written advice under tight deadlines. With strong relationship management skills, you are confident in influencing at senior levels and building trusted, credible partnerships across agencies and internally.

You will bring:

• A relevant graduate qualification.
• 5–10 years' experience in a senior advisory role, ideally in governance, ministerial services, or a similar regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of parliamentary and government processes, including OIAs, PQs, and ministerial correspondence.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, able to tailor complex messages for senior audiences.
• Experience developing and influencing effective cross-sector relationships.
• Advanced organisational and time management skills, with the ability to deliver under pressure.
• A commitment to equity and the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in your work.

Desired skills include advanced knowledge of government structures and experience in co-developing solutions with leadership.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply, please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 11:59PM Sunday 12 October 2025. For further information, please contact Nicole Rickard on nicole.rickard@tewhaturora.govt.nz.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected kaimahi will be given preference and priority for this position.

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.

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