Principal Democracy Advisor

Te Kaunihera aa Takiwaa o Waikato (Waikato District Council) serves a large and diverse area, key towns include Raglan, Huntly, Ngaaruawaahia, Tuakau and Te Kauwhata. Smaller settlements include Gordonton, Matangi, Tamahere, Meremere, Port Waikato and Pookeno.

Our Head Office in Ngaaruawaahia is an open plan hot desking environment, it includes a collab space as well as unique areas to work or meet with colleagues, Waikato River walks and the chance to hit the Hakarimatas on your lunch break. We also have an onsite cafeteria, free parking and work-life balance.

The Waikato district and Te Kaunihera aa Takiwaa o Waikato have much to offer. We prioritise the well-being of our employees and have cultivated an environment of hard work, respect, trust, empathy, and support.

About this role:

A rare and exciting new opportunity for a role in our Democracy team has come about and we are excited to offer you the chance to be part of not only this great team working across our district, but also a great organisation. As a Principal Democracy Advisor this role will be responsible for providing advanced governance expertise, high quality committee support and specialist advice that strengthens transparent, compliant decision making across Council.

What I do?

• Provide authoritative, principal level governance and legislative advice across Standing Orders, conflicts of interest, delegations and statutory obligations, ensuring Council decision making is defensible, transparent and fully compliant.
  

• Lead the organisations quality assurance function for governance, setting standards and applying expert scrutiny to agendas, reports, minutes and formal records to ensure accuracy, rigour and best practice democratic processes.

• Steer the delivery of high stakes governance support for Council, Committees, Community Boards and statutory hearings (including RMA and District Licensing), providing specialist procedural guidance in complex environments.
  

• Lead triennial governance document reviews (Standing Orders, Code of Conduct, Governance Statement and Delegations) and drive system improvements, audits and strategic governance projects that enhance organisational capability.

What I bring?

• 7+ years' experience in governance, democratic services or political advisory roles.

• Advanced knowledge of local government legislation (LGA, LGOIMA, SOs, LAMIA, RMA).
  

• Strong writing, analysis and quality assurance
  

• Relationship skills, political acumen and a calm, methodical approach under pressure.

Why join our team?

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity. We welcome applicants who are keen on rolling up their sleeves and helping to bring this to life.We ensure all parts of our recruitment and employment processes are carried out without discrimination. Our applicants do need to have existing rights to work in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

We are an organisation embracing flexible working.You have the possibility of working from throughout our beautiful district in a manner that works for you, the business and our communities. The team you would join has fun while they work, enjoys a laugh and is highly respected throughout the organisation.

Additional Information

Location: Ngaaruawaahia

Hours of work: 40 Hours per week

We have a strong safety culture and as part of this our preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment screening which includes a medical, alcohol and drug testing.

Submit your application today!

Application closing date: Sunday, 15th of March 2026 at 11:55pm.

To apply for this job, please go online to www.joinourteam.co.nz and enter the job code 38360LGC.