_{27th August, 2025}

Deputy Secretary, Policy, Performance & Insights
Manatū Taonga | Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Ki te puāwai te ahurea, Ka ora te iwi – Culture is thriving, the people are well.

Manatū Taonga is a small ministry with a wide reach and a big heart. We are the Government’s principal advisor on Aotearoa’s cultural system, shaping policy and supporting the sector so that culture continues to enrich the lives of all New Zealanders.

We are seeking an exceptional senior leader to join the Ministry’s Leadership Team as Deputy Secretary Policy, Performance & Insights. This role is critical in positioning the Ministry to deliver on government priorities and advance long-term outcomes for culture, heritage, and media in Aotearoa.

As Deputy Secretary, you will:

• Provide trusted, free and frank advice to Ministers, building credibility and confidence as a senior advisor.
• Lead a group of policy, monitoring, and insights teams that collectively influence outcomes across the cultural sector.
• Work in partnership with Māori and uphold the Crown’s Treaty obligations.
• Shape the Ministry’s long-term strategy and contribute to system-wide leadership across the public service.
• Bring vision, courage, and judgement to complex and sometimes contentious issues, balancing immediate needs with a focus on the future.

As a proven leader with experience at the most senior levels of the public service, you will be adept at navigating political contexts and supporting elected officials. Leading significant policy, strategy, and organisational change initiatives will be central to your success, underpinned by the mana, gravitas, and agility required to represent Manatū Taonga at the highest levels.

This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of New Zealand’s cultural system – ensuring that culture continues to thrive, and people continue to flourish.

How to Apply
This search is being managed by Rothley Partners on behalf of Manatū Taonga.

For more information please contact Kirsty Brown on 021 660 757 or Marc Schmid on 021 102 6192, or email info@rothley.co.nz for a candidate information pack.

Applications close on Sunday 21 September 2025.

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