Principal Analyst - Policy

Ko mātou | About us

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko is an independent Crown entity that regulates the electricity market. We are a kaitiaki of electricity, and our purpose is to enhance New Zealanders’ lives, prosperity, and environment through electricity.

The electricity industry is at a pivotal moment, with the journey towards renewable energy sources and innovation reshaping how we operate for the long-term benefit of consumers.

It’s an exciting time to join the Authority as we grow our capabilities, expand our reach, build a team ready to empower consumers, boost market competition and strengthen future networks. Our focus is on making a difference by driving through a bold, collaborative work programme and delivering value for the communities we serve.

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role 

We are looking for a Principal Analyst to join the Electricity Authority’s Wholesale Markets policy team to help shape our work programme and to craft, lead and deliver policy advice that supports the reliable supply of electricity at least cost.

As a Principal Analyst in the Wholesale Markets policy team, your work will ensure that the New Zealand electricity system delivers competitive, reliable, and efficient outcomes for all consumers as we transition to renewables-based electricity system. You will be joining a well-established team and be a key part of the Market Policy function in the Authority.

As a seasoned policy professional, your role will be working with the Wholesale Markets manager and the wider Authority to drive the strategic policy agenda.  A key focus of your role will be leveraging your depth of knowledge and experience of electricity markets to provide insights, advice, and thought leadership to support New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions economy and ensure long-term benefits to consumers.

You will also have opportunities to provide your policy and technical expertise across the Authority work program and support the Wholesale Markets manager in developing members of the team. 

Nōu te rourou | What you’ll bring

You are someone who can craft, lead and deliver policy projects that enhance the electricity regulatory environment including our work to improve depth and liquidity of the electricity futures markets, explore and develop mechanisms to boost investment in long duration firming and support the implementation of the Authority’s Level Playing Field initiatives.

You’ll thrive in this role if you have: 

• A can-do attitude with a high level of initiative. You’ll strive to challenge current thinking, anticipate future issues, and promote debate while keeping sound judgement and discretion. 
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.   
• Demonstrated delivery focus across complex priority projects. 
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills. 
• Attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to draw policy insights from a data-rich environment.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.

A familiarity with the wholesale electricity market and a relevant background will help you comfortably engage the wider industry and provide technical and policy advice to senior leaders and the Authority Board. 

We have a varied and stimulating work programme leading a range of policy and regulatory projects to strengthen the electricity market for enable consumers to benefit from new ways kiwis are using the electricity system.

Nōu te rourou | What you’ll bring

Electricity plays a critical role in the quality of our lives and businesses. As an electricity kaitiaki our work is diverse, intellectually challenging and contributes to our communities, economy, environment, and the nation as a whole. We are a small but high-impact organisation where talented individuals can make a real difference. We foster an open, collaborative environment that encourages quality, innovation, ongoing learning, and knowledge sharing. 

We know it is important to maintain a healthy work-life balance and in recognition of this the Authority offers several benefits and initiatives to support our staff achieve this. 

We also offer: 

• Competitive remuneration  
• Ongoing training, support, and professional development 
• Opportunities for career advancement 
• We have offices in Wellington and Auckland and support flexible working. 
  

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply  

If you're ready for a challenge and want to help shape the future of electricity in New Zealand, click "apply now" and complete the online application form including a cover letter.  

For further details about the role, you can find the position description below by clicking on the position description button. Alternatively, if you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further, please contact MyHR@ea.govt.nz. 

To apply for this role, you must have a legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of submitting your application. 

Applications close Friday 3 July 2026  – but we may start considering applications as they are received, so don’t wait!

Position description Apply now

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