Policy Analyst

• Locations 45 Pipitea Street, Wellington, 6011, NZ
• Apply Before 01/19/2026, 04:00 AM
• Job Schedule Full time

Type:Permanent
Hours:Full time
Location:Wellington
Business Group
:
Local Government Policy, Partnerships and Operations
Branch:Policy and Te Tiriti
Salary:$77,380 - $96,295

The Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua serves and connects people, communities and Government to build a safe, prosperous and respected nation.

The Local Government Policy, Partnerships and Operations Group is the Government’s lead advisor on local government. The Group provides long-term system stewardship, policy advice, and operational oversight to support a strong and effective local government system for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Te tūnga | The role

We are seeking a Policy Analyst to join the Natural and Built Environments team within the Local Government Policy, Partnerships and Operations Group.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on complex and high-profile policy issues at a time of significant change in the local government system. You will contribute to policy work that supports economic growth, infrastructure development, and housing outcomes across New Zealand.

The team leads key elements of the Going for Housing Growth programme
, including resource management reform, funding and financing settings for local government, and the design of a new development levies regime. The role involves close inter-agency collaboration, particularly with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Ministry for the Environment, as well as links to the Water Services Reform programme.

• Policy analysis and advice on natural and built environment issues affecting local government
• Clear, well-structured written material that communicates complex information succinctly
• Contribution to the development of funding, financing, and regulatory settings for local government
• Collaboration with other government agencies and internal stakeholders
• Support for work programmes involving economic growth, infrastructure development, and housing supply
• A constructive and flexible approach to working in a dynamic policy environment

Nōu te rourou | What you’ll bring

• Experience in, or sound knowledge of, the local government or housing sector
• Strong writing skills and experience undertaking policy analysis
• An inquiring mindset and the ability to draw information from a range of sources
• Comfort working with ambiguity and evolving policy issues
• The ability to build effective relationships across agencies and stakeholder groups

Me pēhea te tuku tono |

How to apply

We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application through the system and include a current CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Applications for this role close 5pm, Monday 19 January 2026.

Job Description: To review the full job description, please .

We must have legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.

At the Department of Internal Affairs, the work we do makes New Zealand a better place for those born here, and those new New Zealanders who have chosen to call this country home.

The Policy and Te Tiriti branch includes policy, Te Tiriti, ministerial and local government capabilities. The branch provides strategic leadership and oversight across a range of policy areas focused on gambling and racing, media content and online safety, digital identity and community affairs, as well as local government policy and the time‑limited Local Water Done Well. Additionally, the branch has oversight of Ministerial and Monitoring functions and our Māori/Crown relationships and Treaty Settlements