Selection process

Te Puni Kōkiri has a selection and appointment process to ensure all applicants are treated fairly and the applicant best suited to the position is selected. The selection is based on assessing each applicant’s depth and breadth of skills and experience against the requirements of the role, as defined in the job description.

The selection and appointment process consists of the following:

1. Documentation

For each vacancy there is a job ad and position description. You can find our current vacancies here.

2. Application

In order to apply for a role, you will need to register and set up a profile in our recruitment system. Click on the 'Apply' link in the job ad and log in to apply. You will need to complete an application form, upload an up-to-date CV and a cover letter. You must do this by the closing date listed on the job ad.

If you are unable to submit an application via our careers site, please email vacancy@tpk.govt.nz.

We recommend setting up job alerts on your profile, so you will be emailed when we’re advertising a role that fits with your criteria.

Helpful tips to prepare your CV

• Your CV gives us an insight into your previous roles and experience (this includes volunteer work), education, skills, experience and achievements.
• Identify the key requirements of the role you’re applying for and make sure your CV includes the experience that best matches these. Keep it clear, concise, and relevant.
• List your career history, starting with your most recent employment. Include the organisation you worked for, your dates of employment, your job title, and outline what the role involved, e.g. responsibilities and key achievements.
• Include any qualifications you have.
• Be clear about what you are good at – ask friends and whānau for feedback as they can help you to describe yourself and your strengths.
• Avoid using too many specialised terms or jargon, particularly if it isn't well known or is specific to only one organisation.
• Be mindful of errors and spelling mistakes – consider asking a friend or whānau member review your CV.

Helpful tips to prepare a cover letter

• Your cover letter should be tailored to the role you’re applying for – refer to the ad and the job description to ensure you’re describing your relevant skills and experience to match the key requirements of the role.

Tell us why you want this position – it’s important we understand what’s motivated you to apply.

3. Shortlisting

Based on your application, we will make a shortlist of applicants for the vacancy. You will be advised whether you have been shortlisted or not.

4. Selection process

If you are successful in being shortlisted, you will be advised on next steps. This will include a competency-based interview but may also include a written or presentation exercise. Following an interview, you may be asked to meet with other key stakeholders or members of the team.

Helpful tips to prepare for an interview

• Consider how you would like to introduce yourself – this may be a mihimihi or pepeha, but it doesn’t have to be.
• Review the job description, take note of the responsibilities, key skills and knowledge required. Think about the strengths you have in these areas as well as examples that show your relevant experience and ability that align with these areas.
• Look at our website to understand more about us and the work we do, as well as the different puni.
• Write down any relevant notes and questions you may have about the role and bring these to the interview.

5. Whānau Support

If you are attending an interview, you are welcome to bring whānau or support people with you. The role of the whānau is to tautoko, support, assist, give comfort to you during the kōrero. If you intend to do so, please advise this when you are contacted for the interview, or contact vacancy@tpk.govt.nz.

6. Pre-employment Checks

If you are a preferred candidate, we will let you know we would like to conduct reference checks, as part of our pre-employment checking process. These would be with current and previous managers.

As part of our process, we will also confirm your right to work in Aotearoa, conduct a Ministry of Justice Criminal Conviction check and, if you have been employed within Public Service departments and/or statutory Crown entities within the last 3 years, a Serious Misconduct Check.

Depending on the requirements of the role, we may also conduct:

• A credit check
• A qualification/occupational registration check
• Confirmation of driver licence
• Security clearance
• Any other checks that are relevant or applicable to the role.

7. Outcome

You will be contacted and advised of the outcome of the selection process. If you are the successful candidate, an offer of employment will be made.

8. Promulgation

Te Puni Kōkiri staff have access to a review of appointment procedure once the appointment is notified. If no review is raised the appointment will be confirmed after 10 working days.

 

We acknowledge the considerable effort and time involved in submitting an application. If you have any questions about the role, the selection and appointment process or Te Puni Kōkiri please feel free to contact us.

We also want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have, are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone.

Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: vacancy@tpk.govt.nz.