Regional Commissioner Advisor | Auckland (South) Region - Tāmaki Makaurau ki te Tonga
Date: 21 Jan 2026
Location: Auckland, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
Ministry of Social Development
- Based in Ellerslie | Auckland South
- Full-time | Permanent
- Salary range from: $118,288 – $143,647 per annum
He angitūtanga | About the Role
We have a rewarding opportunity for a strategic, credible, and forward-thinking advisor to join our Regional Leadership Team as a Regional Commissioner Advisor.
Based in Ellerslie, with a primary focus on Tāmaki Makaurau ki te Tonga (Auckland South), you’ll provide high-level, trusted advisory support to the Regional Commissioner Auckland South, working closely with the South Auckland leadership team and wider public service partners to deliver regional priorities.
The Ministry has a broad and complex portfolio. This role operates at the interface — connecting MSD, iwi, communities, and partner agencies. You will bring clarity to complexity, provide sound advice in dynamic environments, and support informed decision-making on regional development, labour market conditions, and social outcomes.
Ko te mahi | What you’ll be doing
You’ll bring the ability to think strategically, act decisively, and deliver under pressure. You will:
- Act as a trusted connector between the Regional Commissioner, iwi partners, central and local government agencies, and community leaders
- Strengthen MSD’s regional presence through credible, outcome-focused relationships
- Represent the Regional Commissioner in forums, meetings, and cross-agency initiatives where required
- Navigate competing priorities and perspectives, aligning stakeholders toward shared regional outcomes
- Support coordinated, whole-of-government responses to complex regional issues
A core part of this role is building, maintaining, and influencing senior stakeholder relationships across Auckland South. Your ability to influence without authority, manage sensitivities, and operate confidently at senior levels will be critical.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
You’ll bring strong judgement, strategic insight, and the confidence to operate in complex and fast-moving environments. Key strengths include:
- Proven analytical capability to interpret data, trends, and insights to inform high-quality advice
- Experience working within complex social, political, or economic contexts
- Strong communication and influencing skills, particularly with senior leaders and external stakeholders
- High situational awareness, with the ability to anticipate risks and respond decisively
- A proactive and adaptable approach, comfortable working at pace
- Strong coordination and documentation skills, including briefings, reports, and advice papers
You’re a natural relationship builder who can balance competing demands and apply a continuous improvement mindset to regional service delivery.
Mō mātou | About Us
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) helps New Zealanders to be safe, strong, and independent. We work to strengthen individuals, whānau, and communities, and collaborate across the public sector to achieve better outcomes for all New Zealanders.
In Tāmaki Makaurau, MSD partners closely with iwi, government agencies, and local organisations to support regional growth, community resilience, and social wellbeing.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $118,288.00 - $143,647.00
How to Apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact Helen, Executive Assistant to Regional Commissioner on Helen.Ho004@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Closing date: 11.59pm Thursday 29 January 2026
Joining us
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
