We're looking for a Principal Adviser to join the Water Regulation Team in our Infrastructure Regulation branch. This is a permanent opportunity based in either our Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) or Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) office.
Mō te tūnga | About the role
As a Principal Adviser, you'll provide strategic and technical leadership in the development and implementation of the Local Water Done Well (LWDW) regime. You'll work closely with the Head of Water and engage with ministries, regulators and stakeholders to provide high-quality advice and support effective regulatory outcomes.
Your work could include leading the Commission's enhanced regulatory oversight of Tiaki Wai and supporting the evolution of water regulation across New Zealand. You will lead complex regulatory work programmes, developing monitoring and oversight approaches that strengthen transparency, accountability and independent scrutiny of water service providers' performance and investment decisions. This includes ensuring major infrastructure investment is evidence-based, delivers value for money for consumers, and contributes to better, more reliable water services over time.
This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of water regulation in New Zealand. The regime is designed to be flexible and proportionate, giving us a broad range of regulatory tools and flexibility in how we apply them, in a sector that is evolving.
Join a purpose-driven team committed to making a difference, who are ready to tackle challenging work alongside great people. In addition to leading complex projects, you'll be willing to roll up your sleeves and contribute to delivery yourself.
The indicative salary range for this role is $164,024 - $192,969 plus 3.5% KiwiSaver employer contribution. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects their individual skills, experience, and internal relativities across the organisation.
He kōrero mōu | About you
We're looking for someone who:
Read more about the skills, experience and knowledge required for this position in the position description. If you are applying via SEEK, by clicking Apply Now you will be redirected to our careers page where you can access our position description.
Te wāhi mahi | Working here
We're friendly and collaborative and enjoy contributing to our shared vision of making New Zealanders better off and are committed to our people's wellbeing. Our flexible working options are key to supporting that goal and our people have the technology they need to make it happen. Our environment is inclusive, and our people know they are free to be their authentic selves at work and structure the way they work to suit their lifestyle.
Click here to find out more about benefits and life at Te Komihana Tauhokohoko | The Commerce Commission.
Ka pēhea te tono mai | How to apply
If you want to contribute to our vision to make New Zealanders better off, please click ‘Apply for this job' below. You'll need to complete an online application form and upload your CV and Cover Letter outlining your motivation and relevant skills.
For any queries, contact Liz Martin on liz.martin@comcom.govt.nz. Closing date for applications: Tuesday 6 October 2026.
Our recruitment process is fair, inclusive and free from bias. We encourage applicants to let us know if we can make it more user-friendly for them. We value diverse perspectives and the contribution every one of our people makes to our culture. Put simply – you can be yourself here.
| Job reference: | CC/1947565EA |
|---|---|
| Job category: | Analysis |
| Location: | Wellington or Auckland |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Date posted: | 23-Sep-2026 |
| Application close date: | 06-Oct-2026 |
| Attachments: | Position Description - Principal Adviser_ Infrastructure or Market Regulation.pdf (PDF, 256KB) Position Description |
