Strategic Policy Advisor

Job Description

Posted Monday, 25 August 2025 at 10 : 00 am | Expires Sunday, 2 November 2025 at 8 : 59 am

Imagine a workplace where your efforts directly shape the future of the vibrant community that is Rotorua. Te Kaunihera o ngā Roto o Rotorua |Rotorua Lakes Council offers you that opportunity and more. With a team of over 400 staff, we're the driving force behind transformative projects like the revitalisation of the Rotorua Aquatic Centre and hosts to the first NRL Indigenous All Stars games in Aotearoa. After a fulfilling day at mahi, soak in our abundance of geothermal pools, explore the mesmerising ngāwha (geysers), and conquer world-famous mountain biking trails. As we stand firmly committed to biculturalism and collaboration with Te Arawa, our local iwi, your appreciation for Māori values, te reo, and tikanga Māori will flourish. Join us and shape your career in an environment where innovation meets tradition.

He kai kai āu ringa! Nau mai! You have the opportunity to make a huge difference! Come join us!

We’re on the hunt for a Strategic Policy Advisor to join our small but mighty team!

You’ll help steer the waka when it comes to policies and bylaws, charting the course, navigating the tricky waters of legislation, and making sure our community’s voice is heard. If you’re ready to turn smart thinking into real-world impact (and enjoy a few laughs along the way), we’d love to have you on board.

What you’ll be doing :

• Diving deep into research and analysis on policies and bylaws (yes, we love a good spreadsheet!)
• Keeping tabs on legislative and regulatory changes, both local and nationalCrafting, reviewing, and refining policies and bylaws that make sense and make impact
• Collaborating across council teams to align our policy goals with strategic direction
• Building strong relationships with iwi, elected members, community groups, and key stakeholders
• Leading the development and coordination of our long-term framework for policies and bylaws
• Ensuring consistency of draft policies across departments
• Mentoring and supporting team members because great minds grow together
• Staying informed on emerging trends and issues in the policy landscape

Who you are :

This is an opportunity to directly contribute to decision making that impacts Rotorua’s future. If you are passionate about using analysis and insight to drive positive outcomes for the community, we would love to hear from you.

(Interviews for the role may take place before applications close)

Te Kaunihera o nga Roto o Rotorua (Rotorua Lakes Council) is committed to working in partnership with Te Arawa, our local iwi. We aspire to being a bicultural organisation and we value staff who speak te reo Maori, have an appreciation of Maori values, and a working knowledge of tikanga Maori.

Sound like you? Click the Apply Now button below.

#J-18808-Ljbffr