Policy Advisor | Tourism Regions and Hospitality

Date:  31 Aug 2026
Location: 

Wellington, NZ, 6011

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

 

  • Join our team and help ensure that the growth of tourism benefits our communities and regions
  • Tourism is a core contributor to the Government’s economic plans. Actively develop your career in policy in the Government’s lead agency for Economic Growth
  • Join a dynamic, fun and collaborative branch at the interface of Government and industry
  • Permanent full-time role | Wellington CBD location 
  • Salary: $75,114 - $93,724 plus Kiwisaver and Wellness benefits

About the Role - Tēnei tūranga:


We're looking for a talented Policy professional to join our Regional Tourism and Hospitality Policy team.  In this role you will have the opportunity to: 

  • Tackle interesting policy issues as we are working to grow our Tourism and Hospitality sector
  • Analyse evidence and insights and develop high-quality written advice to Ministers – with opportunities to work on the full spectrum of policy levers including strategy, funding and regulatory interventions
  • Collaborate with colleagues across government and regularly engage with the tourism sector
  • Bring a creative approach to problem solving and a strong attention to detail to ensure we continue to produce work of the highest quality
  • Join a dedicated branch and a supportive, engaging team environment


 
About the Team
 
Tourism and hospitality is primarily a regional activity.  The Government aims to strengthen our stewardship of the tourism system and work actively with iwi, hapū and tangata whenua, local government, industry, businesses, regions and communities to shape future growth, manage its impact and better coordinate investments.  
Our team helps shape how tourism and hospitality contribute to economic growth and deliver lasting benefits for communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. We provide advice to Ministers, and work closely with partners on a varied portfolio that spans regional tourism, hospitality, tourism data, freedom camping, local government and responses to emergencies affecting the visitor economy.
 
This includes:
    
•    Working across Government and industry to support the strengthening of the hospitality sector
•    Identifying opportunities to improve the use of tourism data and insights for the sector
•    Supporting destinations to help develop and manage tourism at place, including through the city and regional deal framework
•    Working closely with local government, regional tourism organisations and industry partners on topics related to regional tourism and hospitality
•    Developing policy responses to protect and enhance areas of national significance
•    Supporting regions affected by natural disasters, from a tourism perspective

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required
 

We'd love to hear from you if you can demonstrate the following:
•    At least 2 years' experience in public policy, as a Policy Advisor or in a similar role
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a logical mindset and a healthy level of curiosity
•    An interest in tackling complex issues, generating ideas and developing practical solutions
•    Strong written communication and policy writing skills, with the ability to tailor clear, concise content for diverse audiences
•    The ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively with others
•    Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and evolving work demands
•    The ability to navigate ambiguity and deliver high-quality results
•    A relevant tertiary qualification

 

At time of application, you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

About MBIE - Ētahi kōrero mō 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
  • Māia – Bold and brave
  • Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
  • Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

 

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori 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, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori 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 Māori 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 mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahunga roa o ngā iwi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, ka tutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapa kua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

How to Apply - Me pēhea te tono:


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/20051 if you have any further questions.

 

Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 13 September 2026.