Careers

Tā tātou atarua – Our vision

By investing in our people, caring for the environment, respecting the Mana Whenua cultural heritage, and enabling investment, growth, and development we will enrich our district and the people that reside here.

He angitūtanga - The opportunity

Are you interested in Resource Management Act (RMA) consent planning and keen to grow your skills in a supportive, collaborative environment? We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our Planning team as a graduate / entry-level planner.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is:

· Interested in RMA consent processing and statutory planning

· Eager to develop practical, on-the-job skills

· Recently graduated (or close to graduating) in planning, environmental studies, resource management, geography, or a related field

· Looking to build experience across a range of planning areas within local government

You’ll work alongside experienced planners who are committed to mentoring and professional development, gaining exposure to consent assessments, report writing, stakeholder communication, and the wider functions of council planning.

He kōrero mōu - About you

If you’re ready to start or advance your planning career and make a positive impact in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou - What we offer

We offer a supportive team culture, ongoing training, and real opportunities to grow your career in local government.

We offer:

· KiwiSaver 3% employer contribution

· Special Leave over the Christmas/New Year period

· Views of the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mount Cook

· No traffic lights!

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now

This is your chance to work in the Westland District. Apply directly on our website.

An application form, along with a full CV and cover letter is required to apply for the position. You must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand. For enquiries about the role, please email hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.

Position Description

Applications close 13 March 2026 or when the vacancy is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Tā tātou atarua – Our vision

By investing in our people, caring for the environment, respecting the Mana Whenua cultural heritage, and enabling investment, growth, and development we will enrich our district and the people that reside here.

He angitūtanga - The opportunity

Te Kahui o Poutini - Westland District Council is based in Hokitika on the South Island’s beautiful West Coast. This is your opportunity to work in an area that is surrounded by mountains, rainforest, rivers and lakes. You will become part of and contribute to a growing vibrant community, where the great outdoors is right on your doorstep.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Building Control Officer - Processing (Commercial & Residential) to join us on a permanent, full-time basis. We will consider a hybrid working model for the right applicant. Joining a dedicated team, you will perform a range of tasks relating to building-related BCA and Territorial Authority (TA) functions. This primarily involves processing building consent applications, Certificates of Acceptance, Project Information Memorandums and Exemptions and TA related activities, and providing advice to customers on building related projects.

He kōrero mōu - About you

You will have:

• Assessed current competency under the NZ competency assessment system of at least Res 3 and Com 2 or 3 level for building consent processing

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in the building industry, or demonstrated capacity through a related role in New Zealand to perform the functions of this role with minimal training

• Hold a qualification recognised in Regulation 18 of the Building Regulations 2006 Act. This must be a diploma or bachelor’s in construction, surveying, drafting, engineering or similar

• Highly motivated team player

• Good overall knowledge of building industry legislation, policies and procedures

• Expert knowledge of building construction standards

• Leadership qualities, including ability to motivate and guide other staff

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to ensure that work is completed to a high standard and to meet deadlines

• High level of computer literacy especially with relevant programmes/software

• Excellent communicator

• An understanding of the Council environment, and an appreciation for the political and sensitive nature of Local Government

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou - What we offer

Working at Westland District Council – Te Kahui o Poutini is an opportunity to build on your experience as a Building Control Officer and broaden your skill set through training, development and practice in a wide range of job-specific tasks and activities.

We offer:

-      We will consider a hybrid working model for the right applicant.

-      3 days extra leave between Christmas and New Year’s

-      Views of the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mount Cook

-     No traffic lights!

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now 

This is your chance to work in the Westland District. Apply directly on our website.

An application form, along with a full CV and cover letter is required to apply for the position. You must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.

For enquiries about the role, please email hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.

Position Description

Applications close 13 March 2026 or when the vacancy is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Are you a high-energy, proactive, and exceptionally organised professional who thrives at the centre of decision-making? Do you want to operate at the highest level of local government and make a real impact in your community?

Westland District Council is seeking an outstanding Executive Assistant on a 12 month fixed term basis to become the trusted right-hand to our Chief Executive.

This role will need to handle a high-intensity, complex schedule with precision, discretion, and foresight. Anticipate needs and stay several steps ahead. Act as a trusted gatekeeper and proxy for the CE — safeguarding time, managing priorities, and ensuring focus on what matters most. Take ownership of special projects from concept to completion, ensuring milestones are met and outcomes delivered. Oversee high-level communications, inbox management, stakeholder coordination, and preparation of presentations and briefing materials.

Why Join Us?

High Impact Role

This is more than diary management. You will play a critical role in enabling strategic decisions and supporting executive leadership at the highest level.

Dynamic Environment

Work within a forward-thinking council where no two days are the same. You’ll be part of a collaborative; innovative team committed to delivering for our community.

Growth & Exposure

Gain direct exposure to board-level governance and executive decision-making in a pivotal, highly visible position.

He kōrero mōu - About you

About You

• Proven experience in an Executive Assistant role is preferred
• You think like a project manager and communicate with clarity and influence.
• You thrive on autonomy and take pride in delivering at an exceptional standard.
• You demonstrate sound judgement, discretion, and unwavering professionalism.
• You are solutions-focused — a natural “fixer” who brings calm and order to complexity.
• You are highly organised, adaptable, and resilient under pressure.

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now 

Tā tātou atarua – Our vision

By investing in our people, caring for the environment, respecting the Mana Whenua cultural heritage, and enabling investment, growth, and development we will enrich our district and the people that reside here.

He angitūtanga - The opportunity

Te Kahui o Poutini - Westland District Council is based in Hokitika on the South Island’s beautiful West Coast. This is your opportunity to work in an area that is surrounded by mountains, rainforest, rivers and lakes. You will become part of and contribute to a growing vibrant community, where the great outdoors is right on your doorstep. 

If you are ready to step into a pivotal role at the heart of Westland District Council’s leadership team, we would love to hear from you.

This is your chance to work in the Westland District. Apply directly on our website.

An application form, along with a full CV and cover letter is required to apply for the position. You must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.

For enquiries about the role, please email hr@westlanddc.govt.nz. 

Position Description

Applications close 18 March 2026 or when the vacancy is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

In this role, you will lead the review and improvement of information management practices, coordinate system and process improvements across teams, and support staff to implement user-friendly approaches that make information easier to access and use. You will also help strengthen information governance and ensure key organisational documentation processes are well coordinated and reliable. 

Why Join Us?

High Impact Role
This is more than project management. You will play a critical role in enabling our staff to effectively do their jobs by coordinating system and process improvements across teams.

Dynamic Environment
Work within a forward-thinking council where no two days are the same. You’ll be part of a collaborative, innovative team committed to delivering for our community.

Growth & Exposure
Work in a practical, organisation-wide role that improves how Council works and supports good governance for the Westland community.

He kōrero mōu - About you

About You

• We are looking for someone who is highly organised, comfortable working across teams, and confident guiding change. Experience coordinating projects, systems, or complex organisational processes will be valuable, along with strong written skills and attention to detail. An understanding of working within a regulated or public service environment would be helpful but is not essential.

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now 

Tā tātou atarua – Our vision

By investing in our people, caring for the environment, respecting the Mana Whenua cultural heritage, and enabling investment, growth, and development we will enrich our district and the people that reside here.

He angitūtanga - The opportunity

Te Kahui o Poutini - Westland District Council is based in Hokitika on the South Island’s beautiful West Coast. This is your opportunity to work in an area that is surrounded by mountains, rainforest, rivers and lakes. You will become part of and contribute to a growing vibrant community, where the great outdoors is right on your doorstep. 

If you are ready to step into a pivotal role at the heart of Westland District Council’s leadership team, we would love to hear from you.

This is your chance to work in the Westland District. Apply directly on our website. 

An application form, along with a full CV and cover letter is required to apply for the position. You must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.

For enquiries about the role, please email hr@westlanddc.govt.nz. 

Position Description

Applications close 11 March 2026 or when the vacancy is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Help shape the voice of a district.

Westland District Council is seeking an experienced communications professional who wants to do work that truly matters.

This is a rare opportunity to lead strategic communications in a district defined by resilience, strong communities, and ambitious change. From major projects and regional partnerships to community engagement and emergency response, your work will help keep our community informed, connected, and confident in Council.

Why join us?

In this role you will:

• Lead communications that build trust and community connection
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders, the Mayor, and elected members
• Manage media and reputation with professionalism and credibility
• Shape engaging digital content and public messaging
• Support community engagement and major Council initiatives

In Westland, your work is visible, valued, and makes a real difference.

About you

You are a skilled communicator who:

• Has experience in strategic communications or public sector environments
• Writes clearly and confidently for diverse audiences
• Builds trusted relationships and manages sensitive issues well
• Thrives in a fast-moving environment with competing priorities
• Understands digital channels and modern engagement approaches

What we offer

• Meaningful work with community impact
• A supportive and collaborative culture
• Professional influence at a senior level
• Lifestyle balance in one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary environments

Help us tell Westland’s story.

Position Description

This is your chance to work in the Westland District. Apply directly on our website.

An application form, along with a full CV and cover letter is required to apply for the position. You must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand. For enquiries about the role, please email hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.

Applications close 23 March 2026 or when the vacancy is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Tā tātou atarua – Our vision
By investing in our people, caring for the environment, respecting the Mana Whenua cultural heritage, and enabling investment, growth, and
development we will enrich our district and the people that reside here.

He angitūtanga - The opportunity
Te Kahui o Poutini - Westland District Council is based in Hokitika on the South Island’s beautiful West Coast. This is your opportunity to work in an area that is surrounded by mountains, rainforest, rivers and lakes. You will become part of and contribute to a growing vibrant community, where the great outdoors is right on your doorstep.

Due to a staff relocation, we are seeking a positive and organised Senior RMA Compliance Officer to join us on a permanent, full-time basis. Joining a dynamic team, you will investigate and recommend course of action in line with the Resource Management Act 1991 or Westland District Council policies, contribute to policies and documents as required and provide support to other team members.

He kōrero mōu - About you

You will have:

• A tertiary qualification in resource management, planning or related fields
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in resource management compliance and enforcement activities
• Experience assessing policies and their implication
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• An understanding of the Council environment, and an appreciation for the political and sensitive nature of Local Government
• A valid full New Zealand driver’s license.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou - What we offer

Working at Te Kahui o Poutini – Westland District Council, you will
become part of a dedicated and experienced team that strive to work
collaboratively both within Council and the community we serve.

We offer:

• KiwiSaver 3% employer contribution
• Special Leave over the Christmas/New Year period
• Views of the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mount Cook
• No traffic lights!

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now
This is your chance to work in the Westland District. Apply directly on our website.

An application form, along with a full CV and cover letter is required to
apply for the position. You must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa
New Zealand.

Position Description

For enquiries about the role, please email hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.
Applications close 27 March 2026 or when the vacancy is filled. We
encourage you to apply as soon as possible.