Senior Policy Advisor

• Be part of a policy team shaping and influencing land transport revenue and investment system
• Lead delivery of policy projects
• Permanent position based in Auckland or Wellington

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This is a great opportunity to join us as a Senior Policy Advisor, providing expert advice to develop, inform and influence government and Agency policy and regulatory settings.

The team is responsible for policy work to shape or influence important aspects of the land transport system revenue and investment system. We are currently supporting the Ministry of Transport with improvements to the Road User Charges system, reform of tolling legislation, and development of the next Government Policy Statement on land transport.

We are also responsible for helping to shape NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) positions on transport related regulatory and infrastructure settings. Some current examples of this wider work include changes to the driver licensing system (including digital driver licences) and infrastructure reforms (including changes involving the Public Works Act). The successful person will be working as part of a matrix model where our resources are allocated to priority initiatives across the policy group.

To view the position description, click here.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Expertise and experience working with the machinery of government and decision-making process, including an understanding of the policy process, the legislative process and New Zealand’s regulatory framework
• Demonstrated experience in a policy role with a high level of strategic, analytical and conceptual thinking in a complex environment
• Experience in leading delivery of policy projects or key components of them
• A good understanding of how policy can be translated and transitioned through to effective implementation and operation
• Experience in utilising a range of policy skills and frameworks to assess, explain and build cohesive policy arguments and positions, and develop solutions to policy problems.
• Experience in developing policy capability of team members through guidance, coaching or mentoring
• Excellent writing skills to produce effective advice for decision makers

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.

Ko wai mātou | About us
At the NZTA it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depend on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. The NZTA has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years' time.

The NZTA is the largest infrastructure delivery agent in New Zealand, our work touches the lives of all New Zealanders by planning, designing, delivering, managing, and operating an integrated transport system along with our partners. We have some of the most capable and motivated people in the industry working to provide a transport system that enables New Zealanders to live, travel, work and connect.

Along with our other benefits we also have new NZTA Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance scheme available for permanent employees.
 

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

4 April 2026

For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.