Principal Advisor - Growth, Strategy and Planning

Ko wai mātou | About us

Based in the heart of the Mighty Waikato, Waipā District Council serves a fast-growing and increasingly influential part of the region, known affectionately as the "Home of Champions". Waipā is experiencing significant growth and change, and Council is focused on building well-planned, financially sustainable and resilient communities for the future.

This is an important time for Waipā. Council has embarked on Future Us, a programme of transformation designed to create a leaner, more connected and higher-performing organisation, while strengthening its ability to respond to the challenges and opportunities ahead. Alongside this, work is underway to improve the way we strategically manage growth, shape the 2027-37 Long Term Plan and give effect to new strategic priorities centred on financial sustainability, well-planned communities, partnerships, trust and resilience.

The Growth, Strategy and Planning Group sits at the heart of this work. It brings together the strategic thinking required to understand how Waipā grows, where investment is needed, how planning and infrastructure connect, and how Council can work with iwi, central government, regional partners, developers, businesses and communities to achieve strong outcomes for the District.

With continued growth ahead, the challenge is not simply how to accommodate it, but how to manage it well, invest wisely and ensure growth strengthens the places, people and communities that make Waipā distinctive.

This is a role for someone who enjoys operating at the strategic end of local government - connecting ideas, people and priorities, understanding the broader political and economic environment, and influencing decisions that will shape Waipā for years to come.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Reporting to the Director of Growth, Strategy and Planning, the Principal Advisor will be a trusted strategic partner, providing high-level advice, thought leadership and coordination across issues that will shape Waipā's future.

The role has a strong outward-facing dimension. Building credibility and influence with Elected Members, iwi and mana whenua, central government, regional partners, developers, infrastructure providers, community leaders and other strategic stakeholders will be central to success. You will bring together different perspectives, identify opportunities for collaboration and help position Waipā effectively in the wider conversations that matter to the District.

Within Council, you will help the Director navigate complex and competing priorities, connecting thinking across growth, planning, strategy, infrastructure, finance and organisational priorities. You will identify emerging issues and opportunities, challenge assumptions, remove roadblocks and translate strategic direction into practical action.

The role will also contribute to the evolution of the Growth, Strategy and Planning Group as it moves towards a new way of operating. This will require strategic insight, sound judgement and the ability to turn ideas into momentum and results.

Ko wai koe | About you

You will be a high-calibre strategic thinker with the judgement, credibility and maturity to operate confidently in a complex and changing environment.

Significant experience providing strategic advice to senior leaders is expected, together with a strong understanding of the machinery of local and central government. You will be skilled at making sense of complex issues, connecting disparate information and perspectives, and turning them into clear advice, choices and action.

A strong external orientation is equally important. You will understand the broader environment in which local government operates and be confident engaging with stakeholders who bring different perspectives, interests and levels of influence. Experience across government, iwi, infrastructure, development, planning or regional partnerships would be highly regarded.

Exceptional communication and relationship skills are essential. You will be equally comfortable preparing advice for the Director, Executive Leadership Team, Council and Committees as engaging with senior government officials, iwi representatives, developers and strategic partners. You will understand when to lead, when to influence and when to challenge, building alignment without relying on formal authority.

Politically and organisationally astute, you will bring sound judgement, discretion and an ability to navigate sensitive and high-profile issues. You will constructively challenge established thinking, ask the difficult questions and remain focused on achieving the best outcome.

Curious, commercially aware and future focused, you will stay abreast of emerging trends, policy and wider developments affecting Waipā. You will be comfortable with ambiguity, resilient under pressure and motivated by making progress in circumstances where collaboration and influence are critical.

An understanding of Te Ao Māori and experience working effectively with mana whenua, iwi, hapū and whānau will be highly regarded, as will experience in growth, spatial planning, infrastructure, strategic planning, organisational transformation or change.

Ngā huanga | Benefits

This is a high-impact role at an important point in Waipā's future. Working closely with the Director and senior leadership team, you will have the opportunity to influence issues that extend well beyond the organisation and have a lasting impact on the District.

You will be part of a team working at the intersection of growth, strategy, planning, investment and partnerships - with the scope to shape how Waipā responds to growth and positions itself within the wider Waikato and New Zealand environment.

On top of this, we offer free staff parking, access to a wide range of local discounts and a genuine commitment to learning and development. Council supports staff wellbeing through a range of initiatives and offers benefits including health insurance, life insurance and additional leave.

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

Please apply online with a cover letter and CV. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applications will close on Wednesday 14 October 2026 at 10:00pm.

For a confidential conversation or further information about the position, please contact David Dugmore via david.dugmore@waipadc.govt.nz.

Applicants must be living in and have the right to work in New Zealand.