Mai te hiku ki te taurapa, whitikina e te rā 
From the tail of the fish to the tail of the waka, shines the sun 

This whakataukī speaks to our journey across Aotearoa, one waka, one purpose, powered by the natural forces that sustain us. Meridian is Aotearoa’s largest renewable electricity producer, generating energy from the winds of Tāwhirimātea, the waters of Tangaroa, and the warmth of Tama-nui-te-rā. 

At Meridian, regulation and public policy play a critical role in shaping how we invest, operate, and deliver clean energy for New Zealand. Our Regulatory Affairs team works at the intersection of policy, markets, and commercial strategy — helping Meridian navigate complexity, manage risk, and influence outcomes that matter. 

Mō te tūranga | About the role 

As a Principal Regulatory Advisor, you’ll play a key role in leading the analysis and interpretation of complex regulatory and public policy issues, providing trusted advice to key stakeholders and helping shape Meridian’s regulatory positions. 

This is an advisory role is for someone who thrives in complexity and ambiguity, enjoys owning issues end‑to‑end, and is keen to deepen their impact. You’ll operate with a high degree of autonomy, help Meridian understand the implications of any regulatory or policy changes, and shape and oversee submissions and/or regulatory change processes to meet Meridian’s business needs. 

You’ll work closely with colleagues across Meridian to ensure regulatory insight is well integrated into commercial decision‑making, strategy, and long‑term planning. 

Āu mahi | What you’ll be doing 

• Understand and shape the assessment of complex regulatory and public policy developments, advising on implications for strategy, risk, and commercial outcomes.  

• Provide trusted regulatory advice to key stakeholders on complex or contested issues.  

• Shape and oversee Meridian’s submissions on significant regulatory change processes.  

• Act as a subject matter lead on defined regulatory or policy areas, monitoring emerging issues.  

• Build and maintain effective relationships across government, regulators, and industry.  

• Play a key role in shaping Meridian’s regulatory strategy and identifying emerging risks and opportunities.  

• Apply regulatory insight to inform broader commercial decision‑making and long‑term value creation. 

Ngā pukenga kei a koe mō tēnei tūranga | What you’ll bring 

• Strong experience in regulatory policy, public policy, or legal advisory work within an infrastructure, energy, government, or related environment. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex regulatory issues with a high level of autonomy and sound judgement. 

• Experience advising stakeholders on regulatory or policy matters, including navigating ambiguity and competing interests. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory issues into clear, practical advice. 

• Strong relationship‑building skills, with confidence engaging across government, regulators, industry, and internal stakeholders. 

• Tertiary qualifications in law, economics, public policy, or a related field (or equivalent experience). 

Ngā painga ki a mātou | What we can offer 

We value work/life balance, so our flexible work options (where possible) make things easier for you and your whānau. We also offer: 

• An attractive and competitive salary package that’s reviewed annually, plus discounts from several partnership. 

• Southern Cross Healthcare - Wellbeing one insurance, funded scheme for eligible employees to give you that extra peace of mind.    

• Enhanced leave provisions: three company paid days (over the holiday period), enhanced parental leave and options to buy up to 12 days additional leave.  

• Life, trauma and income protection insurance (which we hope you won’t need!)  

• Enhanced KiwiSaver contributions. 

• Excellent learning and development opportunities, we want you to be the best version of yourself and will help you get there!   

• Award winning wellbeing programme that provides support whenever and wherever you need it.  

• Employee discounts off your power with Meridian, every bit counts.  

He aha koe i hono mai ai ki a mātou? | Why join us?  

We’re a great place to work with plenty of opportunities and career development for those that want it. We value and live by three ‘How to Be’s’: ‘be gutsy’, working together by ‘being in the waka’ and doing the right thing by ‘being a good human’. 

Tono mai ināianei tonu | Apply now 

All in all, we’re a genuinely great place to work, with meaningful work, supportive teams, and a clear purpose. If this role sounds like a fit and you’re keen to make a real impact on New Zealand’s energy future, apply today and tell us what you’ll bring to the role. 

If you’ve got any questions, please email [email protected]. We’re committed to becoming more accessible and providing support if needed. Please get in touch if there are parts of our process you would like assistance with (process found here: meridianenergy.co.nz/careers). 

Fine the full Principal Regulatory Adviser position description here. 

Location – Wellington preferred, but can be flexible for the right candidate
Advertising closes Monday 1 June 2026 11:59pm