Lead Adviser - Engagement - Te ao Māori

Ko wai te Pakihi nei | About the Organisation Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa is the national arts development agency, working alongside artists, ringatoi, practitioners and arts organisations across the motu. The organisation is moving into the next phase of a significant change programme, with a new operating model designed to strengthen leadership, connection, investment and impact across the arts and ngā toi. Ko te āhua o te tūranga | About the Role You'll shape how CNZ connects with the arts sector, government, communities, and the public, building trust, strengthening relationships, and supporting the organisation's strategic priorities. Working closely with senior leaders and key stakeholders, you will:

• Design and deliver strategic engagement and communications initiatives
• Build influential relationships across the arts, government, media, and community sectors
• Translate stakeholder insights into organisational action and decision-making
• Lead responses to sensitive stakeholder and reputational challenges
• Support executive engagement, advocacy, and public positioning activity
• Strengthen engagement practice across the organisation

Mōu | About You The successful candidate will bring:

• Significant experience across engagement, communications, and external relations
• Experience advising senior leaders in complex environments
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Experience managing reputational, political, or organisational risks
• Understanding of government processes and the public sector environment
• Knowledge of the arts, cultural, community, or related sectors
• Familiarity with te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Experience engaging effectively with Pacific and diverse communities

Me tono mai inaīanei | Apply Now! Applications close midnight Sunday 15th November To find out more, please get in touch with Orissa Plimmer on or Luke Spratt on for a confidential kōrero. To apply, you must be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or hold a valid visa with the right to work in Aotearoa. We’ll be reviewing candidates as they come through, so we encourage early applications. We are the landing place where our people can come to rest upon, a safe space. A place  where  excellence  and  culture  are  encouraged and ultimately recognised. Kia tau ai te mauri tū, te mauri ora ki te katoa.  Nau mai, tau mai! Vitality and well-being for all. Welcome, settle here!