Job Description
Full job description
Lead the strengthening of our capability in UAT and business process testing
Permanent role, based in Christchurch or Wellington
About Us | Ko mātou
Stats NZ | Tatauranga Aotearoa is a central government employer of 1200+ people across Aotearoa New Zealand.
We provide data and statistics to support the decisions of government, Māori and iwi organisations, businesses, non-government organisations, and New Zealanders. Our work is About Aotearoa, for Aotearoa - data that improves lives today and for generations to come. We welcome every gender, ethnicity, ability, religion, age, and background and encourage all our people to be their authentic selves.
What's in it for you? | Ngā hua ka riro ki a koe
We encourage you to go to our careers site to learn more about the Way We Work at Stats NZ and check out our benefits. We want working for us to work for you!
Salary: $ 118,609 - $ 139,540 + superannuation
Other benefits include:
Balance life and work commitments
Develop and grow your career (coaching, training, study support, and secondments)
Three extra annual leave days (taken during Christmas office closure)
City-based offices that cater to a variety of working styles and needs.
The role | Te tūnga
This role is permanent role, based in either Christchurch or Wellington and will report to the Development Unit Manager, Business Enablement and Development. This is a newly established role that will play a crucial role in strengthening of our group's capability in UAT and business process testing.
As a Principal Analyst - Testing, you will provide expert leadership in test planning, execution, and reporting, working alongside subject-matter business teams to strengthen testing capability. You will also drive the adoption of standard and consistent test practices across these teams.
This position is focused on User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and business process testing, rather than traditional IT software testing. Applicants with experience in business-side testing, process validation, and stakeholder engagement are strongly encouraged to apply.
What We're Looking For:
At least 10 years' experience in user acceptance and business process testing with a proven track record of leading test planning and execution. Experience in design assurance testing is also desirable.
Extensive knowledge of testing tools and techniques, including the use of test automation and the emerging use of AI.
Extensive experience in developing test artefacts, including test plans, test scripts and test reports.
Passion for coaching and mentoring others in best practice testing approaches, providing expert specialist advice and direction.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Including the ability to develop strong relationships with senior technical kaimahi in our Technology Services and Methods & Design teams to lift the overall quality of end-to-end testing in the organisation, and with Senior Leaders across the organisation to influence decision-making relating to testing.
Knowledge or commitment to developing understanding of Te Tiriti, Tikanga, Te Reo, Te Ao Māori
Demonstrated advocacy for, or support of, diversity and inclusion.
What you bring | Nōu te rourou
We understand transferable skills can come from experience gained from outside of work. We encourage you to share all relevant experience irrespective of where it was gained in your application.
We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and lifting our cultural capability. You don't need to be knowledgeable in all these areas already, but you do need to be on board with learning and have a genuine interest and willingness to grow on this journey with us.
Tell us about yourself in your cover letter, what attracted you to this role, and what you would bring to Stats NZ.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
If this sounds like you, click on the Apply now button to be redirect to the application page on our careers site. The position description is located on the right-hand side of the page.
We will be screening applications as we receive them to move swiftly to interview. The job may close before the advertised closing date depending on application numbers.
You may be asked to complete a pre-interview screen via phone or video. Please let us know in your application if we need to make any specific accommodations during our process.
Please reach out to recruitment@stats.govt.nz if you have any questions.
You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Background and various pre-employment checks are part of our recruitment process.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: unsolicited CVs will not be accepted.
Reference #
16531
Posted on
06 Oct 2026
Closes on
17 Oct 2026 23:55
Location(s)
Christchurch, Wellington
Expertise
Data Insights, Analysis and Customer Reporting, Information, Systems and Technology
Job level(s)
7+ years experience
Work type(s)
Permanent full-time
Lead the strengthening of our capability in UAT and business process testing
Permanent role, based in Christchurch or Wellington
About Us | Ko mātou
Stats NZ | Tatauranga Aotearoa is a central government employer of 1200+ people across Aotearoa New Zealand.
We provide data and statistics to support the decisions of government, Māori and iwi organisations, businesses, non-government organisations, and New Zealanders. Our work is About Aotearoa, for Aotearoa - data that improves lives today and for generations to come. We welcome every gender, ethnicity, ability, religion, age, and background and encourage all our people to be their authentic selves.
What's in it for you? | Ngā hua ka riro ki a koe
We encourage you to go to our careers site to learn more about the Way We Work at Stats NZ and check out our benefits. We want working for us to work for you!
Salary: $ 118,609 - $ 139,540 + superannuation
Other benefits include:
Balance life and work commitments
Develop and grow your career (coaching, training, study support, and secondments)
Three extra annual leave days (taken during Christmas office closure)
City-based offices that cater to a variety of working styles and needs.
The role | Te tūnga
This role is permanent role, based in either Christchurch or Wellington and will report to the Development Unit Manager, Business Enablement and Development. This is a newly established role that will play a crucial role in strengthening of our group's capability in UAT and business process testing.
As a Principal Analyst - Testing, you will provide expert leadership in test planning, execution, and reporting, working alongside subject-matter business teams to strengthen testing capability. You will also drive the adoption of standard and consistent test practices across these teams.
This position is focused on User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and business process testing, rather than traditional IT software testing. Applicants with experience in business-side testing, process validation, and stakeholder engagement are strongly encouraged to apply.
What We're Looking For:
At least 10 years' experience in user acceptance and business process testing with a proven track record of leading test planning and execution. Experience in design assurance testing is also desirable.
Extensive knowledge of testing tools and techniques, including the use of test automation and the emerging use of AI.
Extensive experience in developing test artefacts, including test plans, test scripts and test reports.
Passion for coaching and mentoring others in best practice testing approaches, providing expert specialist advice and direction.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Including the ability to develop strong relationships with senior technical kaimahi in our Technology Services and Methods & Design teams to lift the overall quality of end-to-end testing in the organisation, and with Senior Leaders across the organisation to influence decision-making relating to testing.
Knowledge or commitment to developing understanding of Te Tiriti, Tikanga, Te Reo, Te Ao Māori
Demonstrated advocacy for, or support of, diversity and inclusion.
What you bring | Nōu te rourou
We understand transferable skills can come from experience gained from outside of work. We encourage you to share all relevant experience irrespective of where it was gained in your application.
We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and lifting our cultural capability. You don't need to be knowledgeable in all these areas already, but you do need to be on board with learning and have a genuine interest and willingness to grow on this journey with us.
Tell us about yourself in your cover letter, what attracted you to this role, and what you would bring to Stats NZ.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
If this sounds like you, click on the Apply now button to be redirect to the application page on our careers site. The position description is located on the right-hand side of the page.
We will be screening applications as we receive them to move swiftly to interview. The job may close before the advertised closing date depending on application numbers.
You may be asked to complete a pre-interview screen via phone or video. Please let us know in your application if we need to make any specific accommodations during our process.
Please reach out to recruitment@stats.govt.nz if you have any questions.
You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Background and various pre-employment checks are part of our recruitment process.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: unsolicited CVs will not be accepted.
Reference #
16531
Posted on
06 Oct 2026
Closes on
17 Oct 2026 23:55
Location(s)
Christchurch, Wellington
Expertise
Data Insights, Analysis and Customer Reporting, Information, Systems and Technology
Job level(s)
7+ years experience
Work type(s)
Permanent full-time
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Principal Analyst - Testing | Kaitātari Matua position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Christchurch offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
