Advisor, Te Ao Marama

About the Role

This position can be based in Wellington or Hamilton. We are looking for a driven and experienced Advisor Te Ao Mārama to aid in the ongoing implementation, embedding, and sustainability of Te Ao Mārama within the District Court. Te Ao Mārama is a transformative initiative responding to long-standing calls for justice system reform in New Zealand, aimed at reflecting the aspirations of iwi and communities to improve justice for all.

As an Advisor Te Ao Mārama, you will contribute to a nationally impactful kaupapa, reshaping justice delivery by collaborating closely with courts, judiciary, iwi, communities, and justice sector partners. Your role will involve translating operational insights, evidence, and kaupapa Māori approaches into actionable resources, advice, and improvements to ensure Te Ao Mārama thrives nationwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the implementation and continuous enhancement of Te Ao Mārama within the District Court.
• Build and nurture robust relationships with iwi, hapū, Māori organisations, community groups, and justice stakeholders.
• Engage in projects and programmes aimed at organisational change and improving services.
• Assist in creating guidance, resources, reports, and briefing documents.
• Collect and analyse data to inform planning, monitoring, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Support capability building and facilitate sharing of best practices across courts and tribunals.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to foster positive outcomes for court participants and communities.

Candidate Experience and Skills

• Two to three years’ experience functioning at an advisor level.
• Experience working alongside iwi, hapū, Māori organisations or communities, with sound application of kaupapa Māori methodologies.
• Background supporting projects, programmes or operational activities within the public sector, justice sector, or another complex environment.
• Proven capability in relationship management and engaging a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, able to identify issues and propose practical solutions.
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities, including report, briefing, and presentation preparation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and build trusted relationships.

Additional Information

You will be a natural team player able to work effectively with colleagues across the Ministry and justice sector partners. While prior knowledge of the machinery of government, courts, judiciary, and justice sector is advantageous, we welcome candidates who demonstrate the ability to quickly gain this understanding. The Ministry embraces diversity and invites applicants from all backgrounds who can bring value to this kaupapa.

About the Ministry of Justice

The Ministry is dedicated to reinforcing public trust in New Zealand’s legal framework. Te Ao Mārama enhances accessibility, inclusivity, and effectiveness in justice by integrating judiciary expertise with iwi and community insights in the District Court system. Operating within Operations and Service Delivery, this role supports teams committed to modern, people-centred justice services, continuous improvement, and community partnership.

Benefits

• 4.4 weeks of annual holiday leave.
• Flexible working hours where feasible.
• Access to an online professional development portal.
• Participation in inclusive and proactive support networks.

Salary Range

The salary for this role ranges from $85,562 to $109,862 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

How to Apply

Applications close on Monday 7 October. Due to ongoing review of CVs, suitable candidates may be invited for interviews before this date.