• Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same?
• Are you ready to be the link between a busy Minister’s office and a high performing Ministry?
• Make a difference in a high impact role at the heart of government

This is a fixed term position or secondment opportunity until the 2026 General Election. 

About the Ministry for Regulation

The Ministry for Regulation is a small government agency with a big job to do.

We’re focused on lifting quality across all regulatory systems and supporting agencies with regulatory responsibilities to align with good practice. We want it to be easier for businesses to innovate, grow and comply, while still ensuring the benefits from regulation that we take for granted won’t change.

We are a small group of dedicated professionals, working in a 'can do' environment.

About the role

As Private Secretary, you will be the key liaison between the Ministry and the Minister’s office. You’ll ensure the smooth flow of ministerial business, including correspondence, parliamentary questions, briefings, and Official Information Act requests. You’ll work closely with senior officials, ministerial staff, and Parliamentary Services to support the Minister in delivering on their portfolio responsibilities.

This is a high-trust, high-impact role that requires sound judgement, political acumen, and exceptional relationship management skills.

About you

You are a confident and experienced professional who can self-manage and thrives in a fast-paced environment. You have strong political awareness and proven experience operating within a ministerial environment. Your sound judgement, clear communication, and ability to influence make you a trusted advisor and a key point of contact between the Ministry and the Minister’s Office.

You will bring

• Experience working as a Private Secretary or similar role
• Strong understanding of the machinery of government and government processes
• Ability to respond to changing and evolving priorities and ensure deadlines are met, often with short notice
• Knowledge and understanding of the legislative and regulatory environment, including the management of official information
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage ministerial correspondence and priorities
• Proven ability to build strong professional relationships and effectively influence individuals at all levels
• Ability to maintain composure under pressure, manage competing priorities and respond effectively to changing circumstances
• A high level of initiative and discretion in a politically sensitive environment
• Excellent judgement and problem-solving skills, maintaining accuracy and professionalism when handling sensitive information
• Knowledge and understanding of Te Tiriti and the Treaty Principles
• Ability to hold a NZ Government National Security Clearance.

Please click here for the job description: Private Secretary

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to be directly involved as we continue to embed a new central agency
• Work within a dedicated and supportive team, with a strong delivery focus, who values diversity of thought and knowledge sharing is encouraged

• Direct involvement in improving regulatory quality across government

Salary range: Dependent on skills and experience

How to apply

Please click the 'Apply Now' button and provide all the necessary information.

Applications close on: Friday, 25 July 2025

For any questions please contact: people@regulation.govt.nz