Careers

Foundation governance leadership opportunity

Coast Waters is being established by the Buller, Grey and Westland District Councils as the Water Services CCO responsible for delivering drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across the West Coast.

Bringing together three councils’ water services into a single organisation, Coast Waters is designed to meet evolving regulatory requirements, ensure long-term affordability, and deliver safe, reliable services for West Coast communities now and in the future.

We are seeking three independent Directors, one of whom will be appointed Chair, to form the inaugural Board and guide the organisation through its formation and early years. You will play a critical role in setting strategic direction, establishing robust governance and performance frameworks, managing risk, and building strong relationships with councils, iwi, regulators and communities.

Appointments are likely to be confirmed mid-2026 and will be for a three year term. Additional Directors will be appointed by the shareholding councils.

We are seeking experienced governance leaders who collectively offer strengths across:

• Infrastructure and asset governance in capital-intensive environments
• Commercial and financial acumen, including long-term planning and risk oversight 
• Water services or experience in similarly regulated, safety-critical sectors
• Climate, resilience, environmental and regulatory insight
• Māori / iwi engagement and practical understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Public sector, community and stakeholder engagement.

An understanding of the West Coast and its service delivery challenges is desirable.

Applications close on 26^th April. Candidates can view the Candidate Briefing document and apply, in strict confidence, online at www.sheffield.co.nz

To apply by email, please attach your cover letter and current CV and send to cvchc@sheffield.co.nz quoting 9178aa. Emails will be electronically acknowledged, and further correspondence may be by email. 

For enquiries please contact Andrea Bankier (+64 27 447 8102) or Jane Pollitt (+64 3 353 4354).

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 an experienced Senior Building Control Officer - Processing (Commercial & Residential) to join us on a permanent, full-time basis. We will consider a hybrid working model for the right applicant. Joining a dedicated team, you will perform a range of tasks relating to building-related BCA and Territorial Authority (TA) functions. This primarily involves processing building consent applications, Certificates of Acceptance, Project Information Memorandums and Exemptions and TA related activities, and providing advice to customers on building related projects.

He kōrero mōu - About you

You will have:

• Assessed current competency under the NZ competency assessment system of at least Res 3 and Com 2 or 3 level for building consent processing

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in the building industry, or demonstrated capacity through a related role in New Zealand to perform the functions of this role with minimal training

• Hold a qualification recognised in Regulation 18 of the Building Regulations 2006 Act. This must be a diploma or bachelor’s in construction, surveying, drafting, engineering or similar

• Highly motivated team player

• Good overall knowledge of building industry legislation, policies and procedures

• Expert knowledge of building construction standards

• Leadership qualities, including ability to motivate and guide other staff

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to ensure that work is completed to a high standard and to meet deadlines

• High level of computer literacy especially with relevant programmes/software

• Excellent communicator

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

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou - What we offer

Working at Westland District Council – Te Kahui o Poutini is an opportunity to build on your experience as a Building Control Officer and broaden your skill set through training, development and practice in a wide range of job-specific tasks and activities.

We offer:

-      We will consider a hybrid working model for the right applicant.

-      3 days extra leave between Christmas and New Year’s

-      Views of the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mount Cook

-     No traffic lights!

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now 

This is your chance to work in the Westland District. Apply directly on our website.

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.

Position Description

Applications close 25 May 2026 or when the vacancy is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.