- Shape a once-in-a-generation transformation of learning support in NZ
- Set direction and influence outcomes as part of the Executive Leadership Team
- Influence outcomes at scale, from policy design to frontline delivery
- Wellington location preferred (alternate locations considered)
Strengthening Education
The Ministry of Education plays a critical role in shaping New Zealand’s education system to deliver equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners.
Achieving excellence is about supporting every student to experience success at every stage of their learning journey from early learning and schooling, right through to tertiary, training and employment. A focus on equity is critical in the New Zealand context – it means recognising and responding to the diverse circumstances and needs of all our learners.
We are now reshaping the way the Ministry is organised so that we are better positioned to deliver on the goals of equity and excellence. This means being focused on our core role and doing it well; being deliberately outward-facing and forward-looking; utilising evidence and data to make informed decisions; and supporting a strong organisational culture.
As the stewards of our education system, the Ministry is looking for experienced and outstanding leaders who are driven, curious, open to different perspectives and adaptable to lead our people through system and organisational change.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
The Hautū | Deputy Secretary, Te Pou Taunaki | Learning Support provides strategic leadership and direction to enhance learning support services and outcomes within the Education Sector, responding to increasing complexity and need as well as Government priorities and expectations.
As a member of the Ministry’s Executive Leadership Team, this role contributes to whole-of-Ministry leadership and decision-making, providing strategic leadership and direction across the organisation.
The Hautū | Deputy Secretary, Te Pou Taunaki | Learning Support is accountable for leading national practice, design, and guidance for identifying and prioritising need, delivering targeted and tailored supports through a range of delivery models, and monitoring outcomes to ensure that students with diverse learning needs have equitable access to educational opportunities.
As the senior leader for Learning Support, this role supports the Secretary in leading the Learning Support group, providing overarching national direction on the development of learning support services and strategies, and ensuring overall operational excellence and effectiveness. This includes ensuring that initiatives and outcomes align to Government priorities and deliver public value and maintaining effective relationships in the Learning support and disability sector. Internally they will work particularly closely with the Hautū | Deputy Secretary, Te Mahau | Education Services who is responsible for leading the Ministry’s specialist learning support delivery staff.
About you | Mōhou ake
You will be a senior leader with the vision, credibility, and resilience to transform one of the most complex and high-profile areas of the education system. With a proven ability to lead at scale, you will be comfortable navigating political and public scrutiny while keeping learners and whānau at the centre. You will bring the confidence to engage Ministers and the media, the mana to earn trust with disability and advocacy groups, and the strategic nous to deliver system-wide change. Not necessarily a career educationalist, you will nonetheless understand the education context and have the relational and leadership skills to shape national direction, influence across agencies, and govern a major transformation programme that matters deeply to Aotearoa New Zealand.
You will bring:
- Significant senior leadership experience in a large, complex public sector (or equivalent) environment.
- Credibility and trusted relationships within the disability, learning support, or related communities.
- Exceptional stakeholder and relationship management skills, able to influence across government, the education sector, advocacy groups, and international partners.
- Confidence and presence in high-stakes communication, from Ministers and media to conferences and sector forums.
- A proven track record of leading large-scale transformation, with the strategic capability to shape complex systems and drive sustainable change.
- The resilience, empathy, and decisiveness required to lead in a politically sensitive, high-profile environment.
- The ability and willingness to adhere to and promote the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
About the group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
Te Pou Taunaki | Learning Support group enables specific targeted and tailored support to students who have specific needs impacting their ability to participate in education and progress in their learning, ensuring the necessary resources and expertise is in place to assist with achievement and everyday life.
The Group is accountable for providing functional leadership to all learning support services spanning national functions and regional delivery, delivered either in-house, by education providers or by other providers.
The Group has three key priorities:
- Identify & Assess Need: Leading practice, design, and guidance for assessment and needs identification. This includes monitoring and responding to need from a system level view.
- Prioritise, Plan & Monitor: Leading the delivery approach for targeted and tailored support. This includes monitoring delivery and improving learning support services and associated capabilities.
- Delivery Design: Leading practice, design and guidance for services delivered by Ministry staff, contracted providers and by sector partners, and adjusting delivery strategies as needed.
Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
If this opportunity interests you, please submit your resume by using the ‘apply' button.
Alternatively, for further information, please copy and paste the below URL into your browser to access the candidate pack for this position. The lead consultant for this assignment at IN SIDE Recruitment is Scott King.
https://www.inside.co.nz/ministry-of-education--ds-learning-support
Applications close 5pm Wednesday 8th October 2025.
We want our candidates to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
