At Waipā District Council, we're shaping the future of one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts. With our vision of Waipā - Home of Champions: Building Connected Communities, we're driven by purpose and pride. We're looking for another Senior Strategic Policy Advisor - someone with the insight, influence and initiative to help deliver the next phase of our district's strategic planning journey.
Why this role matters now
In March 2024, Council made the decision to pause the development of the 2024-34 Long Term Plan (LTP) and instead deliver an Enhanced Annual Plan for 2024/25. Since then, the 2025-34 LTP has been under development and was adopted in July 2025. But that's just the beginning.
As a result of this shift, the development timelines for both the 2026/27 Annual Plan and the 2027-37 Long Term Plan will be more condensed than usual. In addition, with the decision to establish a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) for water service delivery, we'll also be preparing a legislative amendment to the 2025-34 Long Term Plan by 30 June 2026. That means we're moving fast — and strategically.
This role is central to ensuring our planning work is well-structured, well-informed, and connected to the community. You'll help manage complex strategic projects while ensuring the integrity, cohesiveness, and transparency of our key planning documents.
About the role
As one of two Senior Strategic Policy Advisors in our Strategy Team, you'll bring leadership, coordination, and delivery expertise to some of Council's most significant strategic planning projects — including the Long Term Plan, Annual Plans, and other major initiatives that shape the future direction of Waipā.
Based in our Cambridge office, the Strategy Team works across both of Council's main locations. Te Awamutu is our head office and where Council meetings are held, so you'll be expected to regularly engage across both sites to support collaboration and strategic delivery.
This role has a particular focus on leading the planning and delivery of Council's key statutory documents and driving process improvements across planning cycles. You'll play a pivotal role in ensuring our planning framework is connected, compliant, and clearly communicated — from initial engagement through to final adoption.
You'll join a smart, future-focused team and support the Manager Strategy in delivering robust stakeholder engagement, transparent processes, and strong alignment with Council's long-term vision.
We're not just ticking boxes — we're building a district people are proud to call home.
What you'll bring
We're looking for someone who's:
- Politically astute and well-versed in the nuances of the local government environment
- A proactive and adaptive planner who can navigate evolving priorities and tight timeframes
- A relationship-builder with the ability to influence and collaborate across Council and the wider community
- Solutions-focused, with a clear ability to think strategically and translate ideas into action
You'll also ideally have:
- A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. Strategic Management, Public Policy, Planning or Law)
- 5-7+ years' experience in strategic planning, policy, or project delivery
- Proven success working with complex stakeholder groups and community partners
- Strong communication and writing skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for a range of audiences
Why Waipā?
This is your chance to work in a progressive council that values innovation, flexibility, and collaboration. You'll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact during a time of organisational and legislative transformation — and be part of a team that values your voice, your ideas, and your growth.
We offer flexible working arrangements, ongoing professional development, and a supportive team environment where your wellbeing is a priority.
Ready to join us?
If this sounds like the challenge you've been looking for, apply today! You can also reach out to David Dugmore (david.dugmore@waipadc.govt.nz) for a confidential chat — we'd love to hear from you.
Applications close: Monday, 18 August at 10:00pm.