Job Description

About the Role

The Office of Hon Erica Stanford is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Private Secretary (Advisory/Media) to join the team. This role is pivotal in supporting the Minister’s advisory functions, with a strong focus on Official Information Act (OIA) requests and written parliamentary questions (WPQ’s).

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate responses to Official Information Act requests and written parliamentary questions, ensuring compliance with statutory timeframes.
• Manage response to written parliamentary questions, ensuring compliance with stat
• Provide strategic advice and support within the Minister’s portfolios.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to gather information and ensure timely delivery of responses. Demonstrable communication and collaboration skills a must.
• Maintain robust systems for monitoring deadlines and quality assurance.
• Supporting media and Press Secretary requirements where required.

Skills and Experience

• Strong understanding of parliamentary processes and the Official Information Act.
• Exceptional written communication skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Proven experience in advisory or media roles within a political or government environment is desirable.
• High level of discretion and professionalism.

This is an events-based position based on a 3-year parliamentary term. The salary band for this role is $99,025 - $123,231 per annum, with starting salaries reflecting relevant skills and experience, as well as internal parity.

About us

Ministerial Resourcing is the team within the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) responsible for ensuring Ministers’ offices are suitably resourced with a range of highly skilled staff, who, in turn, provide a high level of support to the Minister, and ensure the smooth day to day running of their office.

As a Ministerial office staff member, you will be employed by DIA and supported by our dedicated team of Portfolio Managers. Our purpose is to serve and connect people, communities and Government to build a safe, prosperous and respected nation. In other words, it’s all about helping to make New Zealand better for New Zealanders.

Interested? Apply today!

Please note applicants must be permanent residents or NZ Citizens and are required to obtain and maintain a national security clearance at a confidential level or above. Please assess your eligibility status using the Protective Security Requirements tool found here: https://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/personnel-security/clearances/eligibility-tool/

Applications close Sunday, 11th January 2026. For more information, please contact Cameron.Parker@dia.govt.nz

To review the full job description, please click here.

At the Department of Internal Affairs, the work we do makes New Zealand a better place for those born here, and those new New Zealanders who have chosen to call this country home.