Principal Advisor

Based in the heart of the Mighty Waikato, Waipā District Council serves the local area known affectionately as “the Home of Champions”. With the new Mayor and elected members now sworn in, and in partnership with the Chief Executive, we are collectively working towards our vision – to build connected communities.

The office of the Mayor and Chief Executive plays a key role in leadership, not only across our District, but as a critical partner and collaborative advocate for the wider Waikato Region. It’s an exciting time to join us as we navigate various challenges facing local government while pursuing our vision and commitment to build thriving, prosperous communities.

About the role

Working as a lead support to both the Mayor and Chief Executive and in close collaboration with our wider leadership team, this role is designed to deliver value to Council’s leadership through provision of strategic and well-informed advice, holding strong relationships, ensuring you are well abreast of key matters and being a trusted executive advisor.

Building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders will be critical to the success of the position; the role acts as a key organisational advisor and trusted bank of information and analytics.

The Principal Advisor fosters collaboration across stakeholders to deliver sound advice and guidance to projects, reports, documentation, and information for presentation.

About you

It goes without saying that you will need a passion for outstanding community outcomes and likely a proven background successfully working in local government and / or central government. Degree qualified and able to demonstrate prior experience working with political, governance and executive-level communications, policy, risk and community engagement, you will be experienced in strategic and critical thinking. Familiarity with Te Ao Māori will be helpful and background working with post-settlement iwi will be extremely useful in the role.

Your communication skills will need to be exceptional. You’ll need to be comfortable operating at an executive level, along with the Mayor and Elected Members, while working across all levels in the organisation. At times, you will need to represent the council at events and forums or effectively manage any media and PR matters.

With a personality that is naturally curious and highly motivated, you will enjoy the juggle of keeping multiple balls in the air and coming up with innovative solutions to manage highly complex and ever-changing circumstances.

This is a new role in a vibrant team, within a dynamic work environment and, although challenging on a daily basis, it will be easy to see your contribution. Really making a difference for the community will be rewarding in itself.

On top of this, we have free staff parking, access to a wide range of local discounts and a commitment to learning and development that is authentic. The organisation strongly supports staff wellbeing with multiple initiatives, and you’ll enjoy financial benefits like health insurance, life insurance and additional leave.

How to apply

Recruitment for this role is being managed by SVS Consulting. Please apply online with a cover letter and CV. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applications will close on Monday 8 December 2025 .

For a confidential conversation, a copy of the role description or further information about the position, please contact Michelle de Beer on

• @svs.co.nz or .

Applicants must be living in and have the right to work in New Zealand.

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