Principal Advisor Ministerial Services and Accountability

Ko wai matou \| About us

The Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai (the Authority) was established as a Crown Entity in 2021, following the outbreak of illness in the Havelock North community as a result of drinking contaminated water from the public water supply. The Authority oversees and regulates the safety and quality of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across New Zealand. We do this on behalf of consumers and communities throughout New Zealand, so they can have confidence in the safety and quality of their drinking water and the impact on their environment.

If you're a passionate and driven individual who shares our vision for making water safe every day for everyone, then join us and be part of making a difference.

Mo tenei turanga mahi \| About this role

The Principal Advisor Ministerial Services and Accountability is a trusted strategic advisor who leads the Authority's accountability, planning and performance reporting work. The role also oversees high-quality ministerial services, OIA responses and official correspondence. It strengthens how the Authority tells its performance story, meets statutory and public sector obligations, and provides clear, timely and well-judged advice to support senior decision-making.

The Principal Advisor Ministerial Services and Accountability will:

• Lead the development of key statutory accountability documents and processes, including the Statement of Intent, Statement of Performance Expectations, Annual Report, quarterly reporting, Annual Review and Select Committee processes
• Provide strategic advice to the Chief Executive, KOPA (Senior Leadership Team), Board and senior leaders on accountability, public sector expectations, performance risks and emerging issues
• Lead and quality-assure ministerial services work, including official correspondence, parliamentary questions, Official Information Act responses and complex or sensitive requests
• Drive continuous improvement in planning, reporting and assurance practices so accountability and ministerial information are clear, accurate, responsive and useful for decision-making
• Build trusted relationships with the Minister's Office, monitoring agency, auditors, Board members, senior leaders and internal stakeholders.

Innovation and creativity are key drivers in how we work. Our size requires us to be smart, agile and focused on practical impact.

Ko koe tenei \| About you

We are looking for someone who:

• brings significant experience in public sector accountability, planning, performance reporting, ministerial services and official correspondence
• has strong machinery of government knowledge, political neutrality and sound judgement when working on sensitive or high-profile matters
• provides credible strategic advice to senior leaders, Boards, Ministers or governance committees
• builds trust quickly and influences effectively across diverse internal and external relationships
• is a confident writer, critical thinker and mentor who can coach others to build capability in machinery of government, accountability obligations and high-quality correspondence.

To learn more about working at the Authority, please visit our Working Here page.

If you have any patai \| questions about this role, contact us at [email protected].

Me pehea te tuku tono \| How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our Talent Portal. Click here to be redirected.

Ra Katinga \| Applications close 30 September 2026. The application period for this role may close ahead of the advertised closing date if we receive suitable candidates early in the process

You must have a legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of submitting your application.