Principal Advisor - Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement (CME)

About the Role

This senior position offers a chance to lead regional compliance monitoring and enforcement (CME) efforts, providing expert statutory advice and shaping best practices amidst evolving resource management challenges. Reporting to the Regional Compliance Manager, the role involves close collaboration with the Investigations Team Leader and legal advisors to manage statutory risk effectively.

Key duties include delivering high-level advice to policy and consent teams, enhancing CME capability through regular training, and supporting the development and execution of compliance plans across major regulated sectors.

Located in modern offices in central Hamilton, the role is supported by an experienced leadership group and offers a flexible working environment.

About You

The ideal candidate is a seasoned regulatory professional with extensive operational experience, a people-centric and forward-looking approach to mentorship, and the ability to foster a positive learning culture. A pragmatic problem-solver, you maintain composure under pressure, focus on solutions, and adeptly balance competing interests to achieve sustainable outcomes.

A thorough understanding and commitment to Te Ao Māori values and engagement with iwi to fulfill Treaty obligations and regional community expectations are essential.

Qualifications and Experience

• Certification as a Detective in the New Zealand Police or equivalent, or a degree in environmental planning, resource management, law, or environmental/physical sciences.
• At least 15 years of operational experience within regulatory or enforcement agencies, including a minimum of 5 years in senior compliance roles.
• Comprehensive practical knowledge of the Resource Management Act, particularly in compliance, monitoring, and enforcement aspects.
• Experience with NZ legislation related to court processes, including Evidence, Search and Surveillance, Criminal Procedure, Criminal Disclosure, and Sentencing Acts.
• Proven ability in training, mentoring, and influencing colleagues.
• Previous work in primary sectors or local government, along with recent engagement with iwi and hapū groups, is advantageous.

Team Environment

The role supports the Regional Compliance Manager and collaborates across all Team Leads and the Engagement Advisor – Compliance. The CME teams, comprised of officers at various levels, utilize established CME practices to navigate complex regulatory environments and promote positive environmental outcomes. Additional teams handle serious investigations and 24/7 incident response for environmental events in the region.

About Waikato Regional Council

The Council is dedicated to safeguarding the Waikato region's environment for current and future generations, balancing ecological health, economic growth, and community vitality. Their work spans water, soil, air, geothermal, and coastal resource management, grounded in customer service excellence and strong partnerships with iwi and the wider community to achieve collective guardianship (kaitiakitanga) and a sustainable future.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on receipt, with the vacancy closing on Sunday, 23 August 2026. Interested candidates should provide a CV and cover letter in PDF format. Contact via the provided email is available for queries.