Senior Governance Advisor

Full-time Opportunity | Based in Mangawhai or Dargaville + Flexible Work Options

Shape the Future of Local Democracy

Are you experienced in supporting structured or statutory processes and looking for a senior advisory role where accuracy, clarity and organisation truly matter? Join our Business Support Team as a Senior Governance Advisor, where you'll help ensure our Council and Committee processes run smoothly, transparently and in line with legislative requirements.

What You'll Do

As a Senior Governance Advisor, you will:

• Coordinate Council and Committee meetings, including agendas, reports and documentation.
• Provide clear procedural and legislative advice to elected members and staff, including writing reports for Council.
• Support elected members with statutory requirements, registers and compliance needs.
• Oversee key statutory processes including Code of Conduct investigators and District Licensing Committee reviews.
• Manage democratic processes as Deputy Electoral Officer during Local Government Elections and support elected member inductions and events.

This role is ideal for someone who has worked in environments where formal procedures, documentation standard and legislative compliance are important. You'll be confident navigating structured process and enjoys applying legislation, policy or formal guidelines in a practical way.

You'll bring:

• At least three years' experience in a governance or comparable role.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in a political or public‑sector context (governance qualification preferred).
• Solid understanding of local government processes and legislation.
• The ability to interpret complex information and prepare clear reports and decision‑making documents.
• Excellent relationship building, problem solving and time management, with strong attention to detail and accuracy.

At Kaipara District Council, we foster a supportive, inclusive, and forward-thinking team environment.

In addition, we offer

• Competitive salary + benefits + mob + laptop
• Flexible working options and a range of employee wellbeing initiatives
• A commitment to your growth and development, with access to ongoing training and development opportunities
• One paid volunteer day per year to give back to the Kaipara community
• Discounted health insurance and banking, and retail discounts
• Free EAP services and a focus on your overall health and wellbeing
• 5 weeks of annual leave after 5 years of service

From rugged coastlines to iconic beaches and kauri forests, Kaipara is a special part of Aotearoa. At Kaipara District Council, we're proud to help make Kaipara - the place to be, where people feel connected, opportunities grow, and everyone has a voice in shaping the future.

We're more than just a workplace - we're a passionate team committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and healthy community where people love to live, work, and play. We're guided by the values of mahi tahi (teamwork), mana (integrity), pono (trustworthy), whakaute (respect), and mahia te mahi (make it happen), which shape everything we do. These values inspire us to foster an environment where people and communities thrive.

How to Apply

To view the job description and apply for this job go to: https://kaiparadc.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Careers & enter ref code: 6855338.

Applications close 11 February 2026

For more information, contact Kevin Whitehead, People & Talent Advisor, at careers@kaipara.govt.nz

Please note that the preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment checks, including criminal history and police vetting checks.