Regional Commissioner for Social Development, Taranaki, King Country and Whanganui
Date: 7 Nov 2025
Location: Taranaki / King Country and Wh, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
Regional Commissioner for Social Development, Taranaki, King Country and Whanganui
• Taranaki region (based in New Plymouth)
• Permanent, Full Time
• Ko te pae tawhiti Whāia kia tata, ko te pae tata Whakamaua kia tina
• Seek out the distant horizons, while cherishing those achievements at hand
• Helping mokopuna, tamariki, rangatahi, whānau, families and communities is at the centre of what we do
The Ministry of Social Development works to contribute positively to the wellbeing of people today and into the future.
From the services we deliver to the policy advice we give; we strive to keep improving so we can help each generation of New Zealanders build the capabilities they need to contribute positively to society.
We are a trusted and proactive organisation, connecting clients to the support and services that are right for them, with a focus on achieving equitable outcomes for marginalised population groups.
We pride ourselves in partnering with Community, Māori and others to collectively grow talent within our region.
With a population of roughly 242,580, the Taranaki, King Country and Whanganui region stretches north from New Plymouth through Waitomo, Te Kuiti and up to Ōtorohanga. From there, it extends east through Taumarunui, Ohakune, and Taihape, then south to Marton. It then loops back through Whanganui, Hawera and Stratford, to New Plymouth.
We operate 10 service centres across the region plus our regional office in New Plymouth. Our region is home to 11 iwi, with a significant Māori population. Approximately 27% of Taranaki, 32% of Whanganui, Ruapehu and Rangitikei and 37% of Waitomo and Ōtorohanga are of Māori descent. There are many areas of cultural significance in the region.
Agriculture, forestry and fishing are the region’s largest industries (contributing to 14.7% GDP), closely followed by manufacturing, mining, electricity/gas/water, and healthcare services.
As a Regional Commissioner you will:
• Provide leadership of your people to support New Zealanders with employment, housing, social wellbeing and income support
• Partner with iwi to support their aspirations
• Work with partners to identify priorities, challenges and opportunities and enable solutions to improve the lives of the whānau we serve
• Understand and address fundamental barriers to long term social and economic wellbeing
• Put our knowledge to work – contribute to a whole of government solution to uncover future realities and opportunities for our people by sharing our knowledge
• Identify and respond to changes and trends in regional employment and economic outcomes in order to future proof our workforce and support industry led solutions to current and future labour demands
• Proactively work with partners to support local emergency or social impacts that require a welfare/recovery response
Requirements for the role
• Proven ability to drive strategic and operational performance across a large and complex team
• Natural ability to use information and data to support you to implement strategy, influence change, and maintain a high-performance culture
• You will have, or can build, credibility within Iwi, Hapū, Community, and other government agencies, enabling effective partnerships and engagement
• Substantial experience operating at a senior level focusing on delivery to client groups
• You will have proven expertise in creating an environment that fosters growth and development
• This is a busy and challenging leadership role and includes participation in a collegial leadership team committed to supporting people to deliver quality services
• This role requires exceptional relationship management skills to work with a wide range of stakeholders
We welcome applications from previous candidates for this role.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $198,140.00 - $262,278.00
How to apply | Tono mai
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 us at jobs@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: 20 November 2025
Joining us | Ko te hono mai
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.
MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.
