Principal Data Scientist

Salary: $124k - $138k + 4 wks 3 days ann leave

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

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

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

Te whai wāhitanga | 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 Kōkiri 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 Zealand’s IDI and LBD, gather requirements for microdata research projects, and clearly communicate insights and research findings to decision‑makers.

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.

To learn more about the skills and experience required for this role, hit apply to be taken to the Te Puni Kōkiri Careers site to view a copy of the Job Description.

Mōu | 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 high‑quality outputs within short timeframes
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and well‑structured reports, briefings, and methodological documentation for a range of audiences
• Understanding of Kaupapa Māori research principles, Māori data governance, and ethical considerations in analytics
• Strong data visualisation skills, Power BI experience would be an advantage.

Tāu e whai ai | What you will get in return

Te Puni Kōkiri 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 whānau is just as important as you, so we're committed to providing incentives and opportunities that help our kaimahi and their whānau to thrive, including:

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

Te Puni Kōkiri | Ministry of Māori Development

We are committed to our vision of 'Thriving Whānau' - when whānau are thriving, so do their communities, hapū, iwi and all of Aotearoa. Te Puni Kōkiri leads policy advice to the Government on Māori development, and Iwi and Māori 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 Māori, and to drive our efforts to build an Aotearoa where whānau can all stand, thrive, and belong.

Find out more about us on our website.

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 Māori aspirations and well-being.

Tono mai | Apply Now!

Ka aukati ngā tono hei te Rātapu 6 Hepetema 2026 te 11.55pm | Applications close on Sunday, 6 September 2026 at 11.55pm.

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

Nau mai rā ko ngā tononga i te reo Māori, te reo Pākehā, te reorua rānei | We welcome applications in te reo Māori, English, or both.

Īmēratia [email protected] me he pātai āu | Email [email protected] with any pātai.

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]