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

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 two experienced Building Control Officers - Processing to join us on a permanent, full-time basis. 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:

·         3-5 years experience in a similar role

·         R1-3 is essential and C1-2 competency is an advantage

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

·         Highly motivated team player

·         A thorough knowledge of relevant legislation and bylaws

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

·         Excellent communication and time management 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 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:

·         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: https://www.westlanddc.govt.nz/your-council/careers/ 

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 8 September 2025 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 a positive and energetic lifeguard to join us on a permanent, part-time basis (20 hours per week). You will be flexible in your availability, as we work on a roster that can change. Ensuring a safe environment for our patrons, you will be joining a team where everyone gives a helping hand when needed.

He kōrero mōu - About you

You will have:

·         The ability to swim at a proficient level

·         Excellent customer service and communication skills

·         Knowledge of pool operating procedures, including health and safety requirements

·         A current Pool Lifeguard Practicing Certificate (preferred – we are prepared to train the right candidate)

·         A current First Aid Certificate (preferred – we are prepared to train the right candidate)

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou - What we offer

Working at the Hokitika Swimming Pool as part of Council, you will become part of a fun and dynamic team, where we work with all walks of life as they enjoy our facilities. If you are looking to return to the workforce, this could be a great opportunity to do so.  

We offer:

·         KiwiSaver 3% employer contribution

·         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: https://www.westlanddc.govt.nz/your-council/careers/ 

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 24 August 2025 or when the vacancy is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Senior HR Advisor

Hokitika, West Coast

Permanent  Full-time 

Lead culture, capability, and compliance at the heart of Council operations

We’re looking for an experienced and forward-thinking HR professional to step into a pivotal role supporting the people and leadership of Council.

As Senior HR Advisor, you’ll work closely with the Chief Executive and leadership team to provide strategic and operational advice across the full range of human resources functions. From workforce planning and organisational development to employment relations and compliance, your expertise will help shape a high-performing, engaged, and future-ready organisation.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role where your ability to build relationships, navigate complexity, and provide trusted guidance will make a real difference. You’ll play a key role in supporting change, fostering leadership capability, and ensuring Council continues to meet its legislative obligations as a good employer.

What you’ll be doing:

• Providing expert HR advice to the Chief Executive, senior leaders, and managers
• Leading workforce planning, talent development, and succession strategies
• Supporting restructures, change initiatives, and continuous improvement
• Managing employment relations, union engagement, and compliance with employment law
• Overseeing recruitment, performance management, and onboarding processes
• Using HR data and insights to inform leadership decision-making
• Promoting a strong culture of health, safety, and wellbeing

What we’re looking for:

• At least five years’ experience in a senior HR advisory or business partner role
• Deep understanding of employment law, HR best practice, and organisational development
• A strategic thinker who’s also hands-on and action-oriented
• A confident communicator with the ability to coach, influence, and build trust
• Tech-savvy, values-led, and passionate about enabling people to thrive
• Someone who models the behaviours and builds the expectations being embedded through Setting Up for Success — strong, resilient, and committed to supporting others through change

Why this role matters:

Our people are our greatest asset. This role supports the entire organisation to operate well, grow capability, and put people at the centre of our success. You’ll be part of a leadership team committed to building a strong, inclusive, and future-focused Council.

Why Westland?

At Westland District Council, you’ll join a team that’s embracing transformation and committed to delivering for its communities. You’ll be part of a progressive, connected organisation that’s investing in its people, systems, and future. We offer:

KiwiSaver 3% employer contribution

3 days extra leave between Christmas and New Year’s

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.

Apply now 

This is your chance to work in the Westland District. Apply directly on our website: https://www.westlanddc.govt.nz/your-council/careers/ 

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.

A copy of the position description is available here.

Applications close 18 August 2025.