Manager - Kaupapa Inquiries Team

Overview

This permanent, Wellington-based full-time role offers the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives that influence Māori health outcomes throughout Aotearoa. Be at the forefront of driving the Ministry of Health's engagement and response to landmark issues such as Wai 2575, while steering national policies and strengthening Māori–Crown relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to the Kaupapa Inquiries team, overseeing complex and high-priority projects that impact Māori health.
• Manage the Ministry’s response to key kaupapa inquiries, including Wai 2575, ensuring Treaty of Waitangi obligations and Māori health equity principles are integral to all efforts.
• Forge and nurture influential partnerships across the Ministry, Crown Law, and various public sector bodies to achieve evidence-based outcomes benefiting Māori communities.
• Offer strategic counsel and thought leadership to enhance Māori–Crown relations, supporting strategies, policy development, and service delivery aimed at improving Māori health.
• Oversee risk management, performance assessment, and project delivery to maintain high-quality results aligned with governmental and Ministry objectives.

Required Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated extensive expertise in Waitangi Tribunal inquiries, Treaty partnerships, and Māori–Crown relations.
• Deep understanding of Te Ao Māori, including tikanga, kawa, and experience engaging with iwi and Māori communities.
• Proven leadership capabilities, adept at guiding teams through complex, dynamic, and high-profile work environments.
• Strong strategic thinking skills coupled with effective influencing, relationship-building, and problem-solving abilities.
• Genuine dedication to advancing Māori health equity and honoring Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities.

Benefits and Work Environment

• Enjoy 4.8 weeks of annual leave and a wellness allowance available after 12 months of employment.
• Be part of a supportive whānau-like workplace that promotes work-life balance and values diversity and inclusion.
• Access comprehensive wellbeing resources designed to support your personal and professional growth.
• The Ministry is committed to creating an accessible recruitment process and a respectful work culture that encourages every voice.

Additional Information

Applications must be submitted by midnight 22 July 2026. Include both a CV and cover letter as part of your application. For inquiries, contact the recruitment team via email.