Communications and Engagement Advisor – Wild Deer Eradication

Job Type : Fixed Term - Full Time

Location : Whangārei

Job Category : Community Engagement

Fixed-Term (parental leave) Opportunity : Late January to End of July 2026

Northland Regional Council’s role is to care for and protect Te Taitokerau Northland's environment and communities. Does that resonate with you?

Ko te aha ā mātou mahi? / What work do we do?

We work together with tangata whenua and communities to care for the incredible environment and many communities in our rohe, matching our skills and resources with the visions and aspirations of our people. We work to protect and restore healthy waters and our native taonga, through meaningful partnerships with tangata whenua and communities, and to build more resilient and adaptable communities in a changing climate. Here at Te Kaunihera ā rohe o Te Taitokerau | NRC, your mahi makes a real difference to our communities.

Toitū te whenua, toitū te moana, toitū te tangata. If the land is well, if the sea is well, the people will thrive.

Te āheinga / The opportunity

Are you ready to grow your communications career while making a real impact in Te Taitokerau?

We’re looking for a dynamic Communications Advisor to join the Wild Deer Eradication Programme on a fixed-term basis, covering parental leave from late January through to the end of July 2026. This is a unique opportunity to sharpen your skills in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and event coordination—all while contributing to a high-profile environmental initiative.

In this role, you’ll be at the heart of a collaborative effort involving Northland Regional Council, the Department of Conservation, the deer industry, hapū, iwi, and local communities. Your mission? Keep everyone informed, inspired, and united behind the goal of a Wild Deer Free Northland / Te Taitokerau.

You’ll craft compelling communication plans, generate buzz through creative content, and navigate challenges with confidence. From organizing wānanga and hui to managing multi-channel campaigns, your work will help build momentum and strengthen relationships across diverse audiences.

This is a shared resource role with the Department of Conservation, so you’ll need to be highly organized and comfortable juggling multiple priorities. You’ll also play a key role in ensuring our communications reflect and respect te ao Māori, building meaningful connections with hapū and iwi.

We’re looking for a natural storyteller with a can-do attitude—someone who thrives on collaboration and knows how to tailor messages that resonate. If you’re ready to take the next step in your communications journey, we’d love to hear from you.

He Kōrero Mōu / About You

We are looking for someone who can bring the following skills, knowledge, personal qualities and experience to our diverse team :

• A tertiary qualification in communications or a related field is desirable.
• 5+ years’ experience in communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Good understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori world view (Te Ao Māori) and how this is applicable to the communications planning and delivery.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering communications and engagement strategies.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional project teams and key stakeholders, both internal and external to the organization.
• Experience working in the public sector or corporate environment will be advantageous.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with keen attention to detail.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and a keen interest in emerging technology and channels.
• Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign and Photoshop, is a plus.
• A full and current driver’s license is desirable.

We understand that sometimes the right person doesn't ‘tick all the boxes'. If you feel that you have something to offer, but may not fully meet all the job criteria described, please don’t hesitate to apply, and we’ll consider all your talents.

Tono mai / Apply

The mahi we do really makes a difference, so if you are motivated to help nurture our region’s taiao, we are keen to learn more about you. Want to have a kōrero with us first, or just need more information? If so, contactour Biosecurity Manager – Incursions and Response, Nicky Fitzgibbon ( ). To view the job description, visit our careers site where the following link will work : JD : Communications & Engagement Advisor - Wild Deer Eradication

Applications close on 26 November 2025

We review applications as they are received. Apply online now, as the close date may change. Please note that we do not accept email applications.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency / citizenship, or a valid NZ work visa.

#J-18808-Ljbffr