Principal Data Scientist

Our Data and Automation tima is looking for a Principal Data Scientist. This opportunity is permanent, full time, and based in Poneke (Wellington).

This role is a unique opportunity to lead high-profile microdata research into outcomes for M ori and work on things that are of strategic importance to Te Puni Kokiri such as:

• the reach and impact of Wh nau Ora (a culturally based and wh nau-centred programme to help wh nau achieve their aspirations).
• insights into M ori businesses and the people who work for them.
• insights into the outcomes experienced by fluent te reo M ori speakers.

Te whai w hitanga \| The opportunity

Sitting within the Strategy puni and reporting to the Manager, Data \& Automation, you will be responsible for delivering microdata research initiatives within the Statistics NZ Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) and Longitudinal Business Database (LBD) which support Te Puni Kokiri to achieve our Strategic Priorities, through providing technical delivery of advanced analytics projects and products to support strategy, policy, and public sector monitoring.

You will conduct research using Statistics New Zealands IDI and LBD, gather requirements for microdata research projects, and clearly communicate insights and research findings to decisionmakers.

The likely appointment range is $124,242$138,046, based on skills and experience. The full grade for this role is $124,242$165,657 with a mid-point of $138,046.

For more information about the skills and experience required for this position, please see the job description below.

Mou \| About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Expertise in data analysis using R, SQL, or similar products
• A post-graduate qualification in data science, statistics, or similar field, and significant experience in a data science delivery role
• Experience working within the Stats NZ IDI and/or Longitudinal Business Database (LBD)
• Experience defining proxy measures where direct outcomes are not observable
• Experience in programme evaluation, impact assessment, or causal inference in social sector contexts
• Strong attention to data quality, with experience identifying, investigating, and resolving data quality issues in large and complex datasets
• Proven ability to work effectively under pressure, managing multiple priorities and delivering highquality outputs within short timeframes
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and wellstructured reports, briefings, and methodological documentation for a range of audiences
• Understanding of Kaupapa M ori research principles, M ori data governance, and ethical considerations in analytics
• Strong data visualisation skills, Power BI experience would be an advantage.

T u e whai ai \| What you will get in return

Te Puni Kokiri is a diverse and rewarding working environment full of passionate kaimahi focused on creating solutions that will help our communities. We are guided by our values of Te Wero, Manaakitanga, He Toa Takitini, and Ture Tangata.

There is more to life than just work and we encourage our kaimahi to maintain the right balance between mahi and their personal lives. Your wh nau is just as important as you, so we're committed to providing incentives and opportunities that help our kaimahi and their wh nau to thrive, including:

• A range of allowances including childcare, optical, hauora/wellbeing, and te reo M ori proficiency
• Medical insurance discounts
• In house te reo M ori training
• Kaimahi development and career options, including study assistance
• Enhanced parental leave provisions

Te Puni Kokiri \| Ministry of M ori Development

We are committed to our vision of 'Thriving Wh nau' - when wh nau are thriving, so do their communities, hapu, iwi and all of Aotearoa. Te Puni Kokiri leads policy advice to the Government on M ori development, and Iwi and M ori relations with the Crown. Our people are at the heart of the work we do using our approaches to improve outcomes to, for and with M ori, and to drive our efforts to build an Aotearoa where wh nau can all stand, thrive, and belong.

Find out more about Our Story

We invite applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We believe that diversity fuels innovation and enriches our collective strength. Your unique perspectives, skills, and heritage contribute to our mission of advancing M ori aspirations and well-being.

Tono mai \| Apply Now!

Ka aukati ng tono hei te R tapu 6 Hepetema 2026 te 11.55pm \| Applications close on Sunday, 6 September 2026 at 11.55pm.

Tukuna mai tau tono -ipurangi \| Please submit your application online.

Nau mai r ko ng tononga i te reo M ori, te reo P keh , te reorua r nei \| We welcome applications in te reo M ori, English, or both.

Imeratia [email protected] me he p tai u \| Email [email protected] with any p tai.

We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: [email protected]