Community Advisor

Make a difference where it matters most - in the heart of our communities.

• Are you passionate about building strong, connected communities?
• Do you thrive on collaboration, building relationships with people and love seeing locally led initiatives come to life?

At Waipā District Council, we're looking for a dynamic, well connected, community minded professional to join our team as a Community Advisor.

About the role

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in working alongside our community to enabling enable and supporting the wellbeing of our diverse district. As Community Advisor, you'll be the vital link between Council and the community - creating connections and understanding, working alongside Iwi, hapū, community groups, funders, agencies, and local organisations to empower grassroots leadership and foster resilience.

With a facilitative approach and a strategic lens, you'll:

• Provide advice and support to strengthen community-led development.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships and partnerships across sectors.
• Help drive meaningful engagement for Council initiatives like the Long Term Plan and Annual Plan.
• Capture and report community insights that inform Council decision-making.
• Promote awareness of Council's work and create opportunities for genuine two-way dialogue.

You'll also contribute to shaping a Council community development culture that is collaborative, inclusive, and responsive to community needs.

At the heart of it all, your energy, passion, and dedication to making a difference for our communities will set you apart. If you are ready to take on a role that truly impacts the community, we'd love to welcome you aboard.

About you

You'll bring experience, empathy, and insight - along with a strong belief in the power of people-led change. Ideally, you'll have:

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field (e.g. social sciences, community development, education, communications) or equivalent hands-on experience.
• At least three years' experience in community development, social services, recreation, youth and senior development,, or similar.
• A deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Tikanga Māori and Te Reo, and a commitment to upholding partnership obligations.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-culturally and build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Experience in project and programme planning, delivery, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of community funding, governance, and capacity-building.

Bonus points if you've worked in local government, have established networks within Waipā, or experience in the not-for-profit sector.

A full Class 1 driver's licence is required for this role.

Why Waipā?

At Waipā District Council, people are at the heart of what we do - both our community and our team. You'll join a supportive, forward-thinking workplace where your ideas are welcomed, and your work genuinely matters. We value collaboration, connection, and culture - and we're proud to serve one of New Zealand's most vibrant and growing districts.

Apply now and be part of the team shaping the future of Waipā - together, with our communities.

Applications close: Sunday, 13 July 2025 at 10:00pm (applications may be processed ahead of the close date).

For more information or a confidential chat contact David Dugmore - HR Business Partner (david.dugmore@waipadc.govt.nz).

To apply for this job, please go online to www.joinourteam.co.nz and enter the job code: 36000LGC