Community & Engagement Advisor

Role overview

Kaipara District Council is looking for a Community & Engagement Advisor to help ensure local voices are actively included in council work. Based in Dargaville, this is a full-time position with flexible working options and the opportunity to influence planning and decision-making across the district.

What you'll be doing

Working within the Strategy & Engagement team, you will help strengthen connections throughout Kaipara by creating and delivering engagement activities that keep communities at the centre of council decisions.

• Develop and run engagement activities for council projects, plans, and initiatives
• Lead public meetings, workshops, and other feedback-gathering sessions
• Offer engagement guidance to project teams and decision-makers
• Develop and maintain relationships with iwi, community organisations, and other stakeholders
• Translate community input into clear, practical insights that support better outcomes

What we're looking for

The ideal person will be adaptable, collaborative, and able to communicate clearly while listening carefully and building respectful relationships with a wide range of people, including iwi and local communities.

• Hands-on experience creating engagement or consultation plans and delivering them
• Confidence in building trusted relationships across diverse groups, including iwi and community stakeholders
• Strong writing ability, including summarising feedback and preparing concise advice
• Capability to manage several projects and shifting priorities at once
• Awareness of local government, community development, or public sector engagement practices
• A current and valid New Zealand driver licence, as travel around the region is required

What we offer

The Council provides a supportive, inclusive, and future-focused workplace, along with benefits designed to support both wellbeing and development.

• Competitive pay together with benefits, mobile phone, and laptop
• Flexible work arrangements and wellbeing support initiatives
• Ongoing learning, training, and development opportunities
• One paid volunteer day each year to support the Kaipara community
• Discounts on health insurance, banking, and retail
• Free EAP support and a strong focus on overall health and wellbeing
• 5 weeks of annual leave after 5 years of service

About Kaipara District Council

Kaipara District Council serves a district known for its rugged coastline, iconic beaches, and kauri forests. The organisation is committed to building a connected, opportunity-rich, and inclusive Kaipara where people have a say in shaping the future.

The Council describes itself as more than a workplace: it is a team focused on creating a vibrant, welcoming, and healthy community where people enjoy living, working, and spending time. Its values are mahi tahi (teamwork), mana (integrity), pono (trustworthy), whakaute (respect), and mahia te mahi (make it happen).

Application and checks

To review the job description and submit an application, candidates should use the Council's recruitment portal and quote reference code 6911477. Applications close on 30 July 2026.

For more information, contact Kevin Whitehead, People & Talent Advisor, at careers@kaipara.govt.nz.

Shortlisted candidates will need to complete pre-employment screening, including criminal history checks and police vetting.