_{12th May, 2026}

Taumata Search & Selection is proud to partner with the Ministry for Pacific Peoples on this appointment.

About The Ministry for Pacific Peoples
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is the Government’s principal advisor on improving outcomes for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand, ensuring Pacific perspectives help shape government decision-making and public service delivery.

The directorate ensures Pacific voices, aspirations and insights meaningfully shape government policy, programmes and priorities through inclusive and culturally grounded engagement, including with priority Pacific population groups. It leads cross-government collaboration on issues affecting Pacific peoples, strengthens trusted relationships across Aotearoa, and supports engagement that reflects Pacific worldviews, values and diversity.

About the Role
Reporting to the Secretary for Pacific Peoples and sitting on the Executive Leadership Team, the Deputy Secretary, Partnerships leads the Ministry’s national and regional engagement functions. The role strengthens trusted relationships with Pacific communities and stakeholders, supports cross-government collaboration, and ensures Pacific perspectives inform public sector delivery and decision-making.

Based in Auckland, this is a highly visible leadership role requiring strong strategic, relational, and influencing capability. The successful candidate will build credibility, foster trusted relationships, and lead with authenticity and humility.

The role also provides executive leadership during emergency events and response contexts, ensuring culturally grounded engagement and coordination.

About You
You will bring senior leadership experience within complex public sector or system environments, alongside credibility and established relationships within Pacific communities. You will be recognised as a culturally astute leader able to influence across systems, navigate complexity, and build alignment amongst diverse stakeholders.
You will bring:

• Executive leadership experience within complex and political environments, with a strong understanding of machinery of government
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse Pacific communities.
• Existing and trusted relationships across Pacific communities and stakeholders, with the ability to engage authentically and respectfully with Pacific peoples
• Experience leading through change and competing priorities, supported by strong strategic thinking, judgement, and risk management capability
• Commitment to growing Pacific capability and future leaders, alongside excellent communication, relationship management, and influencing skills
• Collaborative and values-led leadership style grounded in partnership, service, and community

Why This Role?

• Work alongside passionate people committed to Pacific wellbeing and success
• Strengthen connections between government and communities
• Contribute to lasting outcomes for Pacific peoples

How to Apply
You can find the Candidate Pack including the Position Description and details on how to apply at https://taumata.co.nz/opportunities/161
  
For further enquiries, contact John Bell on 021 599 586 or Naomi Widener on 021 069 1457.
  
Applications close 5:00pm, Sunday 31 May 2026.

Apply For Job