People Technology and Systems Lead

About the role

This is a newly established permanent opportunity within Kāinga Ora’s People and Assurance team, reporting to the Manager, People Systems & Intelligence. The position may be based in Wellington or Auckland.

The People Technology & Systems Lead will be responsible for shaping, delivering, and continuously improving people-related systems and digital tools. The role partners across HR, Finance, and broader technology teams to ensure people data, systems, and processes work together effectively and support organisational goals.

A major part of the role is strengthening how people information is handled across HRIS, finance platforms, and wider enterprise systems. This includes improving integration, data accuracy, and data integrity, while also creating a smoother and more consistent experience for the people who use these systems for planning and decision-making.

Kāinga Ora is continuing to expand its use of digital capability, including AI and automation, to better support staff and services. In this position, those tools will be applied in practical, responsible, and transparent ways to lift efficiency, support better decisions, and improve service delivery. The role will also help ensure strong governance, build trust in AI-enabled tools, and support safe, ethical adoption across the organisation.

Another key focus is reducing administrative effort and simplifying routine work through automation and system improvements. The aim is to free people up for more valuable, people-focused work while also strengthening capability, usability, and adoption across the workforce.

This role will also contribute to growing workforce capability by helping staff gain the tools, confidence, and support needed to work well in a more connected and digitally enabled environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead improvements in people systems, technologies, AI-enabled capability, and automation to support workforce insights.
• Contribute to Kāinga Ora’s people technology strategy and roadmap.
• Design, deliver, and continuously enhance people-related systems and processes.
• Work across HR, Finance, and enterprise technology functions to align data, systems, and workflows.
• Improve the way people information is managed across HRIS, finance systems, and connected technologies.
• Support effective system integration and better data quality and integrity.
• Enable practical and responsible use of AI and automation tools with appropriate governance and transparency.
• Streamline administrative tasks and routine processes through digital solutions.
• Help uplift workforce capability by improving usability, adoption, and confidence in digital tools.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and delivery teams to define business needs and support successful implementation.

Requirements

• Proven ability to turn emerging technologies such as AI and automation into real-world solutions that improve productivity, decision-making, and service delivery.
• Strong knowledge of effective people technology and systems, including HRIS, finance system interfaces, and integrated workforce processes.
• Experience supporting or delivering technology-enabled transformation with measurable business outcomes and continuous improvement.
• Ability to collaborate across People, Org Development and Capability, Digital, Data & Analytics, Finance, Legal, Privacy, Risk, and Information Management teams.
• Experience working with technology and delivery teams to shape business requirements and support implementation, without being responsible for technical build.
• Strong attention to user experience and adoption, including improving digital interactions and encouraging effective system use.
• Experience guiding change in ways of working and introducing new technologies in a way that builds confidence and capability.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and bring them along through clear, practical, people-centred communication.
• A mindset that sees technology as a way to help people focus on higher-value work rather than replace roles.
• Experience with AI, automation, or other digital tools, or the ability to quickly develop capability in these areas.

Perks

• Competitive salary package.
• Five weeks of annual leave.
• Benefits package with a range of insurance options.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Career development support.
• On-the-job learning, training courses, secondments, and study opportunities.
• Support for work-life balance and overall wellbeing.
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful housing outcomes for New Zealanders.

About the organisation

Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities is focused on improving housing choices, outcomes, and the wider housing sector in New Zealand. The organisation works to create homes and communities that help people and neighbourhoods thrive.

The role offers the chance to make a positive difference to the lives of New Zealanders through purposeful, practical work. Kāinga Ora also values its partnership responsibilities with Māori and iwi, guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Values

• Manaakitanga – people at the heart.
• Mahi Tahi – better together.
• Whanake – be bold.

Additional information

This is a permanent, full-time role based onsite in Wellington or Auckland.

The organisation welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and encourages people to apply even if they do not meet every requirement, provided they believe they could be a strong fit.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received, and the vacancy may close early.

The closing date for applications is Monday 6th July at 11:55pm.

Contact for role-related questions: kaingaora.recruit@kaingaora.govt.nz.