Principal Bond Advisor

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Be a trusted senior advisor influencing Ministers, leaders and cross-government partners
• Porirua, Wellington based, permanent position
• Salary range:  $118,390 - $143,639 + KiwiSaver + Wellness Benefits

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

Are you a strategic thinker who thrives in complexity and wants to make a real impact on New Zealand’s tenancy system? We’re looking for an experienced Principal Advisor to lead critical assurance and regulatory stewardship work across  tenancy bond activities.

This is a senior advisory role where you’ll influence outcomes at the highest levels, partner closely with leaders, and help shape the future of tenancy bond operatational policy, practice and system performance.

As Principal Advisor – Bond, you’ll lead the delivery of assurance, performance monitoring and machinery of government responsibilities for tenancy bond, including Ministerial requests, Official Information Act responses and complaints.

You’ll support the Director Business Systems and Change and to lead high priority day to day business owner activities.  Also supporting the Director Business Systems and Change with their delivery of projects and initiatives, including ABODE system enhancements and benefit delivery, and to advance the new tenancy bond service delivery model as it imbeds.

This role sits at the intersection of operational policy, operations and regulation, requiring strong judgement, influence and the ability to navigate complex, sensitive and high risk issues with confidence.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required
 

You’ll bring deep regulatory and system level thinking, with the ability to influence, connect and lead through complexity. You’ll also have:

• Knowledge of Building & Tenancy functions and regulatory environments
• Knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act, or the ability to quickly grow SME capability
• Proven experience delivering strategic work programmes and policy outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively at the policy–operations interface
• Strong understanding of data and turning data into insights and trend information for Senior Leaders
• A solid understanding of New Zealand’s machinery of government
• Proven success building trust and credibility with senior leaders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong relationship building and influencing capability across agencies
• Tertiary qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent experience
• Legal right to live and work in New Zealand

This role will evolve as organisational and regulatory needs change, so flexibility and adaptability are essential.

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About 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 ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki 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 kaupapakua 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.

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description. 

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Email Sarah Hutcheson at sarah.hutcheson@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/19515 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Wednesday 3 June 2026.