Job Description

About us | Mō mātou

The Local Government Policy, Partnerships and Operations Group is the Government's lead advisor on local government. We provide a long-term vision for the local government system and what is needed to ensure its effective operation and delivery for the people of Aotearoa New Zealand. We blend local government expertise, specialised policy advice and operational delivery and oversight.

The Resilience Policy team is one of five teams within the Group, and provides strategic, practical advice that shapes how government decisions are implemented.

The team leads work on a variety of projects in the local government portfolio including on bylaws and local government funding and financing. The team also contributes to other local government policy teams’ projects when needed. The team engages with other agencies to input into their work programmes that impact the local government system. We have a focus on other agencies‘ work related to natural hazards and climate adaptation and fuel supply but also other policy areas where local authorities play a critical role including tourism, building regulations, and transport.

In December 2025, the Government announced the establishment of a new agency, the Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport. MCERT will bring together the Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Ministry of Transport and the Local Government functions from Internal Affairs. The local government portfolio will move to the new Ministry on 1 July 2026.

The role | Te tūnga

As a Policy Analyst in the Resilience team, you will provide high-quality strategic and practical policy advice on a diverse and fast-moving portfolio affecting the local government sector.

What you bring | Nōu te rourou

• Experience in, or a strong understanding of, the local government sector and operating environment
• Well‑developed writing skills, with experience in policy analysis and advice development
• Confidence working in ambiguity, with the ability to identify opportunities, build relationships, and collaborate across multiple teams
• A collaborative and curious mindset, with openness to learning and finding creative, accessible ways to communicate complex information
• Knowledge of the resource management system and/or natural hazard management system will be an advantage

For you | Mōu

This role offers a great opportunity to join a thriving policy team that recognises effort, celebrates success, and supports inclusion and development within a flexible, family-friendly, and modern work environment.

At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while being able to set and achieve goals and challenge the status quo.

To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/

Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz

The appointing range for this role is $77,380 - $96,295.

To review the full job description, please click here.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application.

We're committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. Please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you.

Applications for this role close 5pm, Monday, 25 May 2026. Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.

If you have any questions, please email Brooke Goodey - brooke.goodey@dia.govt.nz