General Manager Policy

There’s a good chance you've heard of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga. We’re small (but mighty) and haven’t been around long by government standards. But our job is as big as it gets, helping New Zealand get the right infrastructure, whether it’s transport connections that get us from a to b, water and power connections needed to support affordable homes, or schools and hospitals that support our communities.  

Te Waihanga seeks to transform infrastructure for all New Zealanders. By doing so our goal is to lift the economic performance of Aotearoa and improve the wellbeing of all New Zealanders

In recent months we’ve launched New Zealand’s first infrastructure strategy which sets a direction for decades to come, as well as ground-breaking research into the roots of the housing crisis and the efficiency of our infrastructure sector, recommendations for our health infrastructure as well as maintaining a pipeline that provides insight into New Zealand’s planned infrastructure projects.

This is why we need you.

We’re after someone to lead Te Waihanga’s policy work programme. This will involve leading our Policy  team to provide strategic advice, analysis, evaluation around public policy and economic matters that are important to Te Waihanga delivering on its purpose.

To do this you will be experienced at things like:

• Development of infrastructure and/or public policy
• Understanding a wide range of public policy issues affecting infrastructure, including the ability to apply policy frameworks
• Working with central government
• Communicating complex issues and concepts clearly, succinctly and with influence 
• Strategic and operational planning processes

Mō te tīma / About our team

Te Waihanga is what’s called an Autonomous Crown Entity or, even better, an ACE. We think about the whole infrastructure system - roads, waterpipes, powerlines, you name it – and our job is to give advice and uncover the insights that can make it all work as well as it can, supporting an Aotearoa that’s great for the generations to come.  

Our people are smart and passionate about this stuff. Sometimes too passionate - hence the need for an expert in making it accessible to others! They’re friendly and, this being a relatively small organisation, it’s easy to work with anyone here and to have an impact. We don’t do hierarchy or stand on ceremony.  

We also value our people, and it’s important to us that you feel welcome, supported, and respected.  

We offer a competitive total remuneration package for this position depending on skills and experience. We also provide:

• a flexible by default approach to support your work-life balance
• generous leave entitlements
• an annual wellbeing allowance to support your health
• subsidised health insurance membership for permanent employees

Tono mai / How to Apply 

Please take a look at the job description on our website (https://www.tewaihanga.govt.nz/about-us/vacancies/) and get in touch. We’d like to hear from you.  

To apply for this role, please visit https://www.tewaihanga.govt.nz/about-us/vacancies/ or email [email protected]   Applications close on 12 July 2022.

Te Waihanga supports the NZ Government Covid-19 vaccination programme and we strongly encourage our people to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand. 

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications.