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Careers

Tā tātou atarua – Our vision 

By investing in our people, caring for the environment, respecting the Mana Whenua cultural heritage, and enabling investment, growth, and development we will enrich our district and the people that reside here.

He angitūtanga - The opportunity

When you join the Westland District Council, you become part of a team who work hard to deliver a high level of service to the ratepayers and residents of the Westland District.

Te Kahui o Poutini - Westland District Council is based in Hokitika on the South Island’s beautiful West Coast. This is your opportunity to work in an area that is surrounded by mountains, rainforest, rivers and lakes. You will become part of and contribute to a growing vibrant community, where the great outdoors is right on your doorstep.

If you are looking for a career opportunity where the work you do has a real, positive impact on the community, then you have come to the right place.

For further information about any role advertised or working at Westland District Council, please contact hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.

How to apply

You can apply online, with your full CV and cover letter.

Alternatively, your application form, along with a full CV and cover letter should be emailed to hr@westlanddc.govt.nz, or mailed to Westland District Council, 36 Weld Street, Private Bag 704, Hokitika 7842.

Current vacancies

Tā tātou atarua – Our vision

By investing in our people, caring for the environment, respecting the Mana Whenua cultural heritage, and enabling investment, growth, and development we will enrich our district and the people that reside here.

He angitūtanga - The opportunity

Te Kahui o Poutini - Westland District Council is based in Hokitika on the South Island’s beautiful West Coast. This is your opportunity to work in an area that is surrounded by mountains, rainforest, rivers and lakes. You will become part of and contribute to a growing vibrant community, where the great outdoors is right on your doorstep.

We are seeking a positive and organised Senior Planner to join our dynamic team, you will undertake and oversee consenting processes in line with the Resource Management Act 1991 and relevant Plans, contribute to policies and documents as required and provide support to other team members.

He kōrero mōu - About you

You will have:

·         A tertiary qualification in resource management, planning or related fields

·         Minimum 5 years’ experience in resource management planning

·         Experience in providing training, mentoring, or support to other planning staff.

·         Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team demonstrating energy, vision and initiative.

·         An understanding of the Council environment, and an appreciation for the political and sensitive nature of Local Government

·         A valid full New Zealand driver’s license

 Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou - What we offer

Working at Te Kahui o Poutini – Westland District Council, you will become part of a dedicated and experienced team that strive to work collaboratively both within Council and the community we serve.

We offer:

·         KiwiSaver 3% employer contribution

·         Special Leave over the Christmas/New Year period

·         No traffic lights!

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now 

An application form, along with a full CV and cover letter is required to apply for the position. You must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.

For enquiries about the role, please email hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.

Applications close 4 November 2025 or when the vacancy is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Pre-employment checks

Please be aware that Westland District Council will undertake the following background checks on all potential new employees such as:

  • Police vetting
  • Identity check
  • Evidence of qualification
  • Referee check
  • Digital literacy assessments
  • Child Safety Checks for roles identified as Children’s Workers under the Children’s Act 2014.

Prior to your application please ensure you are able to meet these requirements.