Data Wrangler
Statistics NZ
At Stats NZ, data is more than numbers — it’s how we understand Aotearoa and make better decisions for our future. As a Data Wrangler, you’ll be right at the centre of this — working with rich, complex datasets and helping turn them into something meaningful, usable, and impactful.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to build a strong, future-focused career in data, with exposure to large-scale data environments, modern tools, and real-world impact.
Mō te tūnga | About the role
This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the front end of the data lifecycle, where you’ll gain deep experience in how high-quality data is created, structured, and prepared for insight.
You won’t just be maintaining data — you’ll be shaping it. You’ll work with diverse data sources and collaborate with analysts, engineers, and subject matter experts to ensure data is trusted, accessible, and fit for purpose.
Day to day, you can expect to:
- Gain hands-on experience working with large, complex and high-value datasets that inform national decision-making
- Build strong capability across the full data lifecycle, from ingestion and validation through to transformation and preparation
- Further develop your technical skills in coding, automation, and data transformation using industry-relevant tools
- Continue building your skills and capability by designing and implementing scalable data processes and workflows
- Develop further expertise in data quality, governance, and metadata, which are critical and highly sought-after skills in the data field
- Work alongside experienced professionals across data, statistics, and technology — giving you exposure to a wide range of perspectives and approaches
This is a role where we expect our people to continuously learn, experiment, and improve — building the foundations for progression into future senior roles, with expertise in areas like data engineering, analytics, or advanced data management.
Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring
You might be early in your data career or building on existing experience — what matters most is your curiosity, your willingness to learn, and your passion for working with data.
To ensure you are set up for success in this role, you’ll bring:
- Demonstrated professional experience in working with data in multiple formats
- Previous professional exposure to coding or data tools (in particular Python and SQL), and a desire to continually develop these skills
- An interest in how data moves through systems and how it can be cleaned, structured, and improved
- Strong attention to detail and a drive to ensure data quality and accuracy
- A collaborative mindset and the ability to work with both technical and non-technical people
- A proactive approach to learning and problem-solving
- Experience working with financial data and/or Databricks is a plus
Most importantly, you’re motivated by the opportunity to further build on your existing professional experience, capability and skills, to support you to continue to build a long-term and meaningful career in data.
What you’ll get in return
Alongside meaningful work, you’ll benefit from:
- Exposure to real-world, high-impact data and decision-making
- Opportunities to further build in-demand technical and data management skills in a high-impact and nationally recognised organisation
- A supportive environment that encourages learning, development, and progression
- Access to a broad data community and opportunities to learn from experienced specialists
- The chance to contribute to work that has a tangible impact on New Zealanders
Te Tiriti o Waitangi
At Stats NZ, we are committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi. In this role, you’ll deepen your understanding of Te Tiriti and its application in a data context, supporting more inclusive and representative data practices.
Mō mātou | About us
Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa is New Zealand’s national statistics office. Our purpose is simple but powerful:
About Aotearoa, for Aotearoa — data that improves lives today and for generations to come.
We’re a values-led organisation that supports our people to grow, contribute, and thrive — while doing work that truly matters.
Salary range: $84,021 - $98,855 + kiwisaver
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
If you’re excited to grow your data career while working on meaningful, real-world problems, we’d love to hear from you.
Click Apply now to submit your application. The position description is available on the right‑hand side of the page. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may move quickly to interviews.
If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know — we’re committed to making the process accessible for everyone.
Please reach out to nadine.eales@stats.govt.nz if you have any questions.
You must have a valid work permit or visa 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.
