Programme Director | Wellington
| Category: | Management |
| Position Type: | Fixed Term Full Time |
| Attachments: | Programme Director, Planning and Environmental System Transformation Programme.pdf (PDF, 265KB) |
| Application Close Date: | 11-Jan-2026 |
Job Description
Fixed-term / Secondment – to end of June 2027
Lead one of Aotearoa's most significant system reforms. Transforming New Zealand's planning and environmental management system is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive better outcomes for New Zealanders.
Mō te tūranga mahi | About the Role
We're seeking an exceptional Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa / Programme Director to lead the Resource Management System Transformation Programme—a once-in-a-generation reform that will shape New Zealand's planning and environmental system for decades to come.
This critical leadership role sets the strategic direction and ensures end-to-end delivery of a flagship, cross-government transformation. You'll oversee all key components—policy, digital, data, workforce, governance, and institutional change—while forging enduring partnerships across central and local government, iwi/Māori, and sector stakeholders. Your leadership will ensure the programme delivers system-wide impact that benefits communities, businesses, and the environment.
In this role you will:
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Set and champion the long-term vision and strategy for the transformation programme.
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Represent the Ministry and programme at the highest levels, influencing policy, investment, and sector direction.
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Build trusted relationships with Ministers, senior officials, local government leaders, iwi/Māori, and sector partners.
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Ensure programme delivery is cohesive, sequenced, and aligned with government priorities and te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.
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Oversee governance, assurance, and reporting frameworks to manage risk and enable transparency.
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Drive integration across policy, digital, data, commercial, and sector change workstreams.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience
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Proven executive leadership of large-scale, cross-agency transformation in the public sector.
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Exceptional strategic thinking, political acumen, and ability to influence at the highest levels.
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Deep understanding of government operating models, system change, and resource management.
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Demonstrated success in partnering with iwi/Māori and embedding te Tiriti o Waitangi into delivery.
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Strong commercial, financial, and risk management capability.
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Experience leading high-performing, multidisciplinary teams in complex environments.
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Relevant tertiary qualification in public administration, management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
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Ability to gain and maintain a national security clearance as required.
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Satisfactory completion of a credit check (for financial delegations).
For more information about the transformation of the planning and environmental management system – check out this article on our website: https://environment.govt.nz/news/government-unveils-major-overhaul-of-new-zealands-planning-system/
Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE
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agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as ‘One MfE'
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active employee networks including Māori Rōpū, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network
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opportunities for development and education.
Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.
Tono ināianei | Apply Now
Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter. Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.
If you require further information about this position, please contact Sally Morison via email vacancy@mfe.govt.nz
We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you. Please contact us at vacancy@mfe.govt.nz if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.
You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.
We will be reviewing applications as they come in and may contact candidates prior to the role closing.
Rā Katinga | Applications Close: Sunday 11 January 2026 @ 5pm
