Senior Policy Advisor | Tourism Regions and Hospitality

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE


Discover a career with purpose at MBIE
; Help to ensure that the growth of tourism benefits our communities and regions
; Work closely with regional partners to bring a national perspective to local issues
; Help to ensure the sustainable growth of tourism to support and enrich Aotearoa
; Permanent opportunity located in Wellington Central
; Salary: $110,098 - $138,028 plus Kiwisaver and wellness benefits
Tenei turanga - About the Role:
About our MBIE Policy Community

MBIE has a diverse range of policy, regulatory and service delivery responsibilities that help build the economic success of New Zealand. Our purpose is to "grow New Zealand for all" and our work makes a difference to many aspects of New Zealanders' daily lives. This work is all the more important with many key government priorities being delivered in 2023 and beyond. There couldn't be a better time to join us and make an impact!

MBIE has a well-established public policy community. We work with multiple Ministers across a wide range of subjects; from building and resources, to science and innovation, to Maori economic development, to labour and employment, plus many more. Our work programmes are as interesting as they are varied. For more information go to: MBIE Policy Community.



About the team

Tourism is primarily a regional activity. The Government aims to strengthen our stewardship of the tourism system and work actively with iwi, hapu and tangata whenua, local government, industry, businesses, regions and communities to shape future growth, manage its impact and better coordinate investments. The team work closely with partners across Aotearoa to bring a national perspective to the challenges of tourism, including the impact on communities and the environment. This includes:
; Supporting destinations to help manage the flow and volume of visitors
; Working closely with local government and tourism industry organisations and other partners on topics related to regional tourism
; Developing policy responses to protect and enhance areas of national significance
; Supporting regions affected by natural disasters, from a tourism perspective
About our Senior Policy Advisors

Our Senior Policy Advisors work on complex and high profile government policy projects. They apply their policy expertise to deliver results for New Zealand. They use their strong communication and influencing skills to engage and work collaboratively with various groups. They have great knowledge of legislative frameworks and processes, Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, and a strong understanding of the wider political environment to better position New Zealand for the future.

Our Senior Policy Advisors work across different levels to share their own knowledge with others. With the wide variety of work across the different policy areas, there are numerous development opportunities to grow and build their careers within MBIE.

You may be a seasoned policy professional looking for that next challenge or ready to take your next step into a Senior Policy Advisor role - we'd love to hear from you!

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

We are looking for motivated people with experience in problem solving complex problems and formulating high-quality policy advice for a range of stakeholders and projects.

Ideally you will have:


Experience leading complex policy projects within central government
Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and application of these in public policy and in partnership with Maori
Wide ranging knowledge of policy development disciplines and processes
Strong stakeholder relationship building, influencing and engagement skills to gain the cooperation and commitment of others
Demonstrated capability in working with Ministers, senior public service officials, internal and external stakeholders
Passion for leading and coaching others to develop their policy craft and take their careers to the next level
The ability to work through ambiguity and deliver results
**At time of application you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.**

Etahi korero mo MBIE - About MBIE:
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.

Mahi Tahi - Better Together
Maia - Bold and brave
Pae Kahurangi - Build our Future
Pono Me Te Tika - Own It
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.

E mohio ana a Hikina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kotuinga I waenganui i a ngai Maori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a, kei te whai ia ki te whakau ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ma te whai kiko o nga kotuinga ahungaroa o ngai wi, o ngai Maori, me etahi atu ropu Maori ki te Karauna, katutuki tenei. He ahuatanga nui tenei e ahei ai nga mahi whanaketanga a-ohanga, a-papori hoki ki a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui. E whai tonu ana matou ki te kotui atu ki nga iwi mo te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i nga kaupapakua roa nei e tami ana i a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui, a, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i nga aheinga kokiritanga ma nga iwi, me te tautoko i nga iwi kia whai mana ake ai enei aheinga.

Me pehea te tono - How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description.

When you are ready to apply please submit your CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role. All applications must be submitted via our online process.

Email Fati Tagata at fati.tagata@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/19052 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Wednesday 25 February 2026.