Principal Data Scientist| Kaipūtaiao Raraunga Mātāmua

Fixed Term/Secondment opportunity till June 2029

Background on the work programme

The mission of the Code Modules Initiative is to make New Zealand's integrated data assets easier to use, and understandable for everyone, including non-technical people.

Following a successful pilot in 2022, this work has attracted the backing of government agencies and non-government users who see value in creating reusable data tools, called "code modules", that contain high-quality code and documentation for foundational measures needed by researchers and statistical producers. These include concepts such as benefit receipt, migration status, highest qualification, employment status, and total income. The initiative is now expanding to support the growing demands on administrative data from delivery of the Social Investment approach, and shifts toward greater use of administrative data in the production of official statistics.

As part of the Modernising IDI programme, we are investing in the long-term sustainability of the Code Modules capability. This includes expanding the suite of available modules, strengthening stewardship and governance arrangements, and supporting the transition of code modules and associated workflows to future analytical platforms, including Databricks.

The role \| Te tūnga

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and influential data science leader to play a key role in shaping the future of integrated data research and statistical production in New Zealand.

As Principal Data Scientist, you will provide specialist expertise in the design, development, stewardship, and future evolution of code modules. You will apply advanced technical judgement to complex challenges involving data integration, analytical methods, quality assurance, documentation, and platform transition, helping ensure that code modules remain trusted, reusable, and fit for purpose.

Working closely with the Modernising the IDI programme and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, you will lead the development of new and upgraded code modules, improve automation and quality assurance practices, and help establish sustainable stewardship arrangements across the module library. You will also contribute to the future direction of tooling, standards, and technical approaches as the capability evolves into new analytical environments.

Beyond technical delivery, you will act as a trusted advisor and mentor, supporting colleagues to adopt best-practice approaches to data product development, documentation, quality management, and reuse. You will help lift capability across Stats NZ and the wider integrated data ecosystem, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.

If you're passionate about applying advanced data science expertise to nationally significant data assets, influencing technical direction, and building capability across organisations, this role offers a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact.

What you bring \| Nōu te rourou

• A tertiary qualification in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Operations Research, or a related field. Postgraduate qualifications are highly regarded.
• Extensive senior experience in data science, statistical analysis, advanced analytics, machine learning, or research leadership within complex research, government, or enterprise environments.
• Demonstrated experience creating reusable, well-documented code and analytical assets, ideally within integrated data environments such as the IDI or LBD.
• Strong database analytics and statistical programming skills, particularly SQL and R.
• Strong judgement and the ability to navigate complex technical problems where established approaches may not exist.
• Experience influencing technical standards, design approaches, and quality practices across teams or organisations.
• A proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop the capability of others.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with technical experts, researchers, policy stakeholders, and partner agencies.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance to the public service, alongside a commitment to building capability in te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori.
• Knowledge of Databricks or experience working in modern cloud-based analytics environments would be advantageous

We recognise that valuable skills can come from both paid and unpaid work. You might have gained experience in academia, government, technology, consulting, public service, community leadership, volunteering, or whānau responsibilities. We welcome and value all forms of transferable skills. Please bring your full, unique self to your application

For all our roles, we're looking for people who:

• Act with integrity, take responsibility, and do what's right even when it's hard.
• Understand the "why" behind their work and focus on delivering real value.
• Stay curious and open to learning, seeing challenges as opportunities to grow.
• Build respectful and inclusive relationships grounded in care for others.
• Work collaboratively across boundaries and contribute to collective outcomes.

We don't expect you to know everything. What matters is your genuine interest, commitment, and readiness to grow with us. Tell us about yourself in your cover letter, what attracted you to this role, and what you would bring to Stats NZ.

About Us \| Ko mātou

Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa is the National Statistics Office, leading the way in data and insights. While this is our focus, it’s our people who are central to everything we do. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, recognising that our work is strengthened by the people behind it.

The data and insights we produce help shape decisions across government, communities, and businesses, and plays an important role in telling the story of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our mahi supports informed decision making at both national and local levels, helping improve outcomes for people, the economy, and the environment.

We’re proud of the role we play in guiding and strengthening the data system, with a goal of delivering high-quality data with equitable access for all.

What’s in it for you? \| Ngā hua ka riro ki a koe

Take a look at our Stats NZ careers site to learn more about our organisational values: He pēwhea ā tātou tikanga mahi \| The way we work.

Some key benefits include:

• 37.5 hours work week.
• 15 days sick leave allowance (to be used for yourself or people under your care).
• 3 extra days off (taken during end-of-year office closure).
• Annual flu vaccines.
• Funded counselling and coaching through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Visual and hearing health benefits (for permanent kaimahi).
• Corporate rates for a variety of services and products.
• Study assistance programmes.
• Rōpū Waiata – weekly cross agency connection.
• An active social club in each office.

Salary range for this position: $119,795 - 162,075 + kiwisaver

How to apply \| Me pēhea te tuku tono

Sound like you? Click ’Apply now’ to be redirected to the application page on our careers site. The position description is located on the right-hand side of the page.

Our process is to screen applications as we receive them, so we move to interview stage quickly. You may be asked to complete a pre-interview screen via phone or video.

Please let us know in your application if we need to make any specific accommodations during our process.

Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any pātai / questions.

Note to recruitment agencies: unsolicited CVs will not be accepted.

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Background and various pre-employment checks are part of our recruitment process.

Reference # 20050

Posted on 11 Sep 2026

Closes on 27 Sep 2026 17:00

Location(s) Wellington

Expertise Data Insights, Analysis and Customer Reporting, Data Standards and Statistical Design

Job level(s) 7+ years experience

Work type(s) Fixed term full-time