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The Children’s Commissioner (the Commissioner) is New Zealand’s most senior independent advocate for the rights, interests and wellbeing of children and young people. The Commissioner is a critical and highly visible role with a range of duties under both New Zealand and international children’s rights law.

The Commissioner is established under the Children’s Commissioner Act 2022 and is an independent Crown entity for the purposes of the Crown Entities Act 2004. The Commissioner is appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister for Social Development and Employment.

Applications are sought from individuals with senior advocacy and leadership experience and expertise, who are able to effectively deliver on the role’s statutory functions. 

The Commissioner position description – available at https://jobs.govt.nz/jobs/NZ-1899912 – provides details on the role, statutory appointment process, and experience and expertise sought.

Please note there is a statutory endorsement requirement for candidates, which is outlined in the position description. In summary, a candidate needs to be endorsed by a relevant organisation from one of a range of categories.

To apply

To be considered for appointment please provide:

• a cover letter, which includes contact details (email address and phone number) and details on the required endorsement
• a current curriculum vitae.

Applications must be made via email to appointments@msd.govt.nz

IMPORTANT: Please do not apply through Seek or the jobs.govt.nz portal. 

These are being used for advertising purposes only.

Applications are due by 5.00pm, 2 February 2026.