Senior Policy Advisor | Tourism Economy

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

- Tourism is a core contributor to the Government's Going for Growth plan. Help shape policy advice and initiatives that support New Zealand's economic growth and prosperity.

- Further your policy career in the Government's lead agency for economic growth.

- Join a dynamic, fun and collaborative team at the interface of Government and industry.

- Apply your policy expertise to complex and interesting issues while supporting and mentoring others.

- Fixed term/ Secondment opportunity to Nov 2027 | Wellington or Christchurch CBD location.

- Salary: $110,098 - $138,028 plus Kiwisaver

About the Role - Tēnei tūranga:

We are seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to join our Tourism Economy team. Tourism is New Zealand's second largest export earner and makes a significant contribution to economic growth, employment and prosperity across New Zealand.

As a Senior Policy Advisor, you will play a key role in delivering the team's ambitious policy work programme to support the Government’s goal to double the value of tourism exports by 2034. Working on complex and high-profile issues, you will contribute to policy advice and initiatives that support growth in New Zealand's tourism sector and the wider economy.

You will lead policy projects, undertake robust analysis, and provide high-quality advice to Ministers on issues that are often dynamic, complex and fast-moving. Working closely with industry, Māori partners, international organisations, other agencies and stakeholders, you will help shape practical policy solutions that support a productive, sustainable and resilient tourism sector.

We are looking for someone who is comfortable using data and evidence to develop insightful policy advice and recommendations. The Tourism portfolio is varied and fast-paced, making this an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on managing competing priorities, working collaboratively, and contributing to team capability through coaching and mentoring others.

About the Team
The Tourism Economy team develops policy advice that supports the sustainable growth of New Zealand's tourism sector and contributes to wider economic outcomes. We think strategically about the role of Government in supporting tourism growth and lead the Branch’s engagement with international partners and forums.
This role sits in the Tourism and Hospitality Branch, within the Labour Science and Enterprise Group of MBIE. We work at the centre of government decision-making, partnering closely with Ministers, agencies, industry and Māori partners to deliver impactful outcomes for New Zealand.
MBIE supports a wide range of flexible working arrangements. Talk to us about what might work for both you and us.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required

As a Senior Policy Advisor, you will bring well-developed policy, relationship management and delivery skills to support our work with key partners and stakeholders. You will be comfortable working across complex issues, applying sound judgement, and developing practical policy advice informed by evidence and analysis. Experience in economic development, tourism policy, international policy or a related policy area would be advantageous. Equally important is the ability to think analytically and strategically, navigate ambiguity, and build trusted relationships that help influence outcomes.

We are keen to hear from you if you have:

- Experience developing high-quality policy advice and delivering robust analysis on complex issues.

- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to use data and evidence to produce insightful, evidence-based policy advice.

- Experience leading policy projects and delivering quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.

- The ability to build credible, respected relationships and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including Ministers, partner agencies, Māori partners, industry stakeholders and other external partners.

- Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and persuasively.

- Sound judgement and strategic thinking, with the ability to identify risks, opportunities and practical solutions.

- Experience supporting, coaching or mentoring colleagues and contributing positively to team development and capability.

- The ability to adapt to changing priorities and demands while managing competing work programmes effectively.

- A positive, collaborative and proactive approach to your work.

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 [email protected] quoting ref MBIE/20248 if you have any further questions.

Applications close 11.59pm on Monday 19 October 2026.