Principal Policy Analyst

About Us | Mō mātou    

The Simplifying Local Government programme sits within the Local Government Branch and is responsible for progressing Government policy to modernise and simplify New Zealand’s local government system.

The programme addresses long‑standing challenges across the sector and focuses on ensuring local governance arrangements are fit for purpose, future‑focused, and well aligned with national reforms, particularly resource management reform.

A key focus over the next 18 months is delivering the Government’s recently announced Head Start pathway, working closely with council groupings to design practical governance and service delivery solutions. The team provides high‑quality policy advice to the Minister of Local Government and the Minister for Resource Management Reform, supports Cabinet decision‑making, and leads any consequential legislative programme required to give effect to policy decisions.

This is fast‑paced, high‑impact work involving complex system design, close cross‑agency collaboration, and engagement with local government leaders and communities.

In December 2025, the Government announced the establishment of a new agency, the Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport. MCERT will bring together the Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Ministry of Transport and the Local Government functions from Internal Affairs. The local government portfolio will move to the new Ministry on 1 July 2026. 

The role | Te tūnga   

As a Principal Policy Analyst, you will provide strategic leadership and advanced policy expertise to help shape the future of local governance in New Zealand. You will lead complex and sensitive workstreams, mentor and support other policy staff, and deliver robust advice that informs Ministerial and Cabinet decision‑making.

Your work will span policy development, system and framework design, and legislative development. The role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities in parallel and to operate confidently in an evolving and sometimes ambiguous environment.

Likely areas of focus include:

• Assessing and supporting Head Start pathway proposals from council groupings, including co‑designing detailed proposals and bespoke legislative solutions
• Leading backstop and framework design work for regional governance and service delivery arrangements
• Translating complex policy intent into clear, effective, and workable legislation, in close partnership with legal and policy colleagues

This is a fixed‑term role through to 30 June 2027.

What you bring | Nōu te rourou 

• Advanced policy leadership – proven experience leading complex, high‑impact policy programmes in a central or sector‑focused environment
• System and legislative design expertise – strong capability translating policy objectives into effective frameworks and legislation
• Interagency and stakeholder leadership – experience leading complex work across agencies and engaging effectively with senior leaders and external stakeholders
• Strategic and evaluative thinking – ability to analyse complex systems, assess trade‑offs, and provide clear, evidence‑based advice
• Delivery in fast‑paced environments – confidence managing multiple priorities and delivering to tight timeframes
• People leadership and mentoring – ability to coach, mentor, and uplift capability across the team

For you | Mōu 

At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while being able to set and achieve goals and being encouraged to challenge the status quo.  

To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/ 

Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz 

The appointing range for this role is $129,510 - $161,167

To review the full job description, please click here. 

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono 

We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application. 

We're committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. Please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you.  

Applications for this role close 5pm, 22 May 2026.  Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role. 

If you have any questions, please email Hemi Smiler - hemi.smiler@dia.govt.nz