NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Regulatory Roles
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA)is New Zealand’s primary regulator of land transport – road and rail.
Due to internal promotions and the creation of a new leadership structure, NZTA is looking for three exceptional senior leaders for its Regulatory Group Te Rōpū Waeture, to join them on their mission to be a smart and balanced regulator, with safety and productivity at the heart of what they do.
This is a unique opportunity for talented individuals with deep regulatory and senior leadership experience to be part of shaping a new strategy and operating model for the Regulatory Group, while at the same time overseeing an exciting work programme and reform implementation.
Deputy Director of Land Transport
Head of Regulatory Design and Enablement
Head of Vehicle Regulation.
As Deputy Director of Land Transport, you’ll help lead regulatory strategy and system-wide change, influencing the future of New Zealand’s land transport sector. You’ll lead a small team and influence widely across senior leaders, government agencies, iwi, and community groups to deliver impactful regulatory outcomes. You’ll drive innovation and continuous improvement in a values-driven, inclusive environment with national reach and significant budget influence.
As Head of Regulatory Design and Enablement, you’ll lead a large, diverse team with a strong focus on ensuring frameworks, rules, standards and policy settings are fit-for-purpose and world-leading. You’ll need to take a system-wide view, provide strategic and people leadership and effectively influence - helping drive intelligence- led regulatory improvement and a high-performance culture.
As Head of Vehicle Regulation, you’ll be responsible for end-to-end oversight of vehicle regulation - all regulatory activity delivered within your team, across NZTA and by external partners. In this recently created role you’ll drive system-wide improvements for safer, more efficient transport in a complex stakeholder environment. This includes shaping and implementing regulatory approaches that govern provider licensing, heavy vehicle certification, compliance monitoring, investigations, and regulatory response.
In all of these roles you’ll
Drive change and transformation across the land transport regulatory system and internally, working closely with the Director of Land Transport, Regulatory group leadership team and other key stakeholders and being a catalyst for innovation and championing safety and value for money.
Build capability and assurance, ensuring delegated statutory responsibilities are delivered well, spearheading reviews and improvement initiatives to lift performance, as well as developing high-performing teams.
Develop strong, effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders including a new Regulatory Group leadership team, colleagues across public sector and industry organisations, iwi, local authorities, key service providers and community groups - taking a collaborative, system-wide approach to improving safety, reducing harm and creating efficiencies.
What you’ll bring
A track record of senior leadership in complex, regulated environments
Strength in regulatory stewardship, assurance, and continuous improvement.
Proven ability to work across agencies and communities, including iwi partnership and engagement.
Strategic thinking, integrity, and the courage to drive change for safer, more effective outcomes.
Why join NZTA?
This is your chance to make an impact on one of New Zealand’s most critical systems - helping create a safer, more connected future for everyone.
Kerridge & Partners is assisting NZTA to fill these roles. Applications close at 5pm on 20 February 2026. To apply for a role or request a confidential discussion, please email Ben Keall at Kerridge & Partners at ben.keall@kerridgepartners.com