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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

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 26th 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).

Casual Employment Opportunity 

We are seeking a positive and energetic person to join us on a casual basis. If you are someone who enjoys swimming and would like the opportunity to pick up some work as we require (covering leave, training etc) this could be the opportunity for you. Ensuring a safe environment for our customer, you will be joining a great team where everyone gives a helping hand when needed.

He kōrero mōu - About you

You will have:

·         The ability to swim at a proficient level 

·         Excellent customer service and communication skills

·        Willing to complete a Pool Lifeguard Practicing Certificate (or already have one (preferred))

·         A current First Aid Certificate or willing to complete the training required.

 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou - What we offer

Working at the Hokitika Swimming Pool as part of Council, you will become part of a fun and dynamic team, where we work with all walks of life as they enjoy our facilities. If you are looking for some part time work or looking to return to the workforce, this could be a great opportunity to do so.  

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.

 

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.

Applications close 10 April 2026 or when the vacancy is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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.


Due to a staff relocation, we are seeking a positive and organised Senior RMA Compliance Officer to join us on a permanent, full-time basis. Joining a dynamic team, you will investigate and recommend course of action in line with the Resource Management Act 1991 or Westland District Council policies, 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 compliance and enforcement activities
  • Experience assessing policies and their implication
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • 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
  • 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.

Position Description

For enquiries about the role, please email hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.
Applications close 27 March 2026 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.