Executive Assistant

Role overview

This is a permanent, full-time Wellington-based opportunity within the Ministry of Health New Zealand. The role sits at the centre of Māori Health and supports senior leaders who influence strategy, policy, and Māori Crown relations across the Ministry. It goes beyond standard executive support by acting as a dependable partner who keeps priorities moving, coordination tight, and decision-making well supported. The position is suited to someone who performs well in a busy environment, enjoys partnering with senior stakeholders, and takes satisfaction in keeping complex work organised and on track.

What you will be doing

• Deliver senior-level executive assistance to Group Managers, including managing diaries, email inboxes, and competing administrative priorities while maintaining trusted working relationships.
• Arrange and coordinate meetings, logistics, and engagements, with a particular focus on Māori Health meetings and related activities.
• Handle essential business support tasks such as finance administration, travel bookings, documentation, and upkeep of filing and systems.
• Draft, prepare, and support high-quality outputs including reports, briefings, presentations, and correspondence.
• Work closely with other support staff across teams to simplify administrative processes and help drive ongoing improvements.

What you need to bring

• Demonstrated background as a Senior Executive Assistant or Personal Assistant supporting senior leaders in a complex setting.
• Solid experience in government or the public sector, including familiarity with how ministries operate.
• Strong proficiency in MS Office, along with well-developed organisational and coordination abilities.
• Capability to build credible relationships, communicate clearly, and anticipate the needs of senior leaders.
• A proactive, detail-oriented approach with the ability to prioritise work, meet deadlines, and manage confidential information carefully.

Pay and benefits

The midpoint salary is $72,225, with final pay depending on experience. The role also includes 4.4 weeks of annual leave and a wellness allowance after 12 months.

About the workplace

The Ministry describes itself as a supportive, inclusive, and respectful place to work, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing, work-life balance, personal growth, and professional development. The organisation welcomes people from varied backgrounds and values the different perspectives and experiences they bring. Support is available for applicants who need the recruitment process to be more accessible.

Application details

Applications close on 16 July 2026. Applicants are asked to submit a CV and covering letter through the Ministry’s careers process, and the position description is available online. Questions may be directed to the recruitment team at recruitment@health.govt.nz. Applications may be reviewed as they are received, interviews can happen during the advertising period, and the vacancy may close early if a high number of applications is received. Recruitment agency submissions are not being accepted at this time.