Walking and Cycling Programme Lead

Mō te tūranga | About the position  

Walking, cycling and wheeling aren’t just ways to get around, they’re essential to the wellbeing, safety and connection of our communities. 

We’re looking for a Walking and Cycling Programme Lead to accelerate active travel outcomes across Te Tairāwhiti. This is a strategic, delivery-focused leadership role where you’ll turn vision into action, progressing initiatives through partnerships and planning. You will remove barriers to their implementation, setting them up for delivery on the ground. 

If you’re passionate about creating safer, more accessible places for people to move, play and connect, this is your chance to make a lasting impact. 

Ngā Mahi ngā Takohanga Matua rānei | Duties include: 

• Develop and manage a programme of walking and cycling initiatives from concept through to their delivery 

• Translate strategy (including our Active Travel Strategy) into real, implementable projects 

• Navigate planning, consenting and funding pathways to move projects forward 

• Provide clear, strategic advice to support investment and governance decisions 

• Identify and unlock opportunities for “quick wins” within existing projects 

• Work across Council teams and with external partners to maintain momentum of walking and cycling initiatives and remove barriers to their implementation 

• Represent Council in regional and national forums to advocate for better active travel outcomes 

Ngā Pūkenga me Ngā Wheako e Hiahia ana | Skills and experience required:  

• A Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years' experience in a similar role progressing strategic initiatives through planning, partnership or delivery 

• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, RMA, Reserves Act, LGA, Land Transport Act 

• Proven ability to manage multi-stakeholder environments and navigate statutory frameworks 

• Experience preparing clear written advice to support governance and investment decision-making 

• A good understanding of Te Reo me ōna Tikanga o Te Tairāwhiti, and a genuine commitment to meaningful engagement with Treaty partners 

• Full NZ Driver Licence. 

 Experience with resource consent processes, reserve management planning or infrastructure delivery in local government will be an advantage. 

 Ngā Huanga | Benefits 

• Work-life balance: Flexible hours to help you manage personal commitments and maintain wellbeing 
• Wellbeing first: Ora Day, Piritahi Day, EAP, flu jabs, health checks & optional access to our Fitness Passport package 
• Whanaungatanga: Waiata group, Te Reo kawhe kōrero, staff events 
• Perks: Modern offices, eye exams, Southern Cross discounts, retail perks 
• Growth: A values-led environment where your development is supported 
• Relocation support: Assistance available to help you make the move to Gisborne 
• Location: Live and work in stunning Gisborne – close to the beach, rivers and bush 

He aha ngā painga o te kaunihera | Why work for Gisborne District Council 

Gisborne District Council is one of only six unitary authorities in Aotearoa, meaning we deliver both district and regional council mahi. We’re committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, weaving te ao Māori into everything we do, and making a real difference for the people and places of Tairāwhiti. 

Our mahi is diverse — from looking after roads, water, rubbish and recycling, to protecting our environment, supporting community facilities like pools, parks and libraries, and shaping the region’s future through planning and governance. With over 500 staff, we’re a team that’s passionate about making Tairāwhiti a thriving place to live, work and play. 

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to Apply 

Help us improve walking and cycling outcomes and our liveable spaces in Tairāwhiti – apply today.

For more information, email recruitment@gdc.govt.nz

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the position will be filled once the right candidate is identified.

To view the full job description, visit our careers page: www.gdc.govt.nz/council/careers and check the job attachments section.