Freshwater Improvement Fund

**Businesses talk about Culture - We live it.**

Here at Gisborne District Council, we pull our values from the community we serve. It makes sense then that we are enthusiastic about culture in our workplace. Family and inclusivity are deep seated in our culture. We work hard together to make our people proud, and our whanau are why we are so passionate about what we do for the community here at Gisborne District Council.

We are currently looking for a Kaimahi to join our growing team and help shape the future of our region. You will be part of an exciting partnership between GDC, Rongowhaktaata, Ngati Oneone and Te Whanau Iwi who are co-partnering in the design of this programme.

This fixed term, role is aligned to projects associated with the Freshwater Improvement Fund and will run until June 2026. The Freshwater Improvement Fund provides an exciting opportunity to support the improvement of health and mauri of our city waterways and its people through planting projects, improving fish habitats and creating new wetlands. The results of this programme will be a taonga tuku iho - a treasure to hand down for many generations.

Other key opportunities include:

- Working alongside appointed local iwi/hapū/whanau Kaitiaki to navigate safely while learning Tikanga/Kawa, Wairua, Mauri, Te Ao Maori paradigms of technical intelligence relevant to Hauora/Waiora/Mahi Atua. These will insist respect for all living entities in the Taiao as our whanaunga and eliminates personal risks to self and other’s mana/integrity personally and professionally.
- Work closely with local iwi/hapū leads in the development, implementation, and completion of activities pertinent to restoration/improvement of Hauora and Waiora of Taiao including eco-systems agreed spaces and places within approved timeframes relevant to FIF.
- Bespoke training and capacity building component so at the end of the programme in June 2026, you will have skills and experience that will lead to quality employment within Tairawhiti.
- An essential part of this role is to keep iwi/hapū/whanau informed and up to date of progress in this programme and the ability to share what they have learnt. This could be achieved through spending 8-12 hours per week or back with their parent hapū/iwi/whanau.

You will be well supported by a team that prides itself on nurturing an inclusive workspace that embraces innovation and creativity, so bring your passion and leading-edge ideas to Gisborne District Council.

**A bit about you**:
You will have a passion for taiao and kaitiakitanga and some experience working with tangata whenua and communities towards improvement of water, land and ecological quality. Previous field and taiao work is desirable.

You’ll combine your previous experience with good health and safety standards with your passion for improving water, land and ecological quality to effectively plan and resolve issues.

With interpersonal skills in abundance you’ll ensure effective working relationships and the ability to get the best out of yourself and others to deliver on time.

You’ll need a full driver’s license to perform this role as regular travel within the urban area is required.

**Your day will look like**:
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Variety There are a number of projects that make up the Freshwater Improvement Fund, and it will be your job to support keeping them all on track, navigate risk, and capitalise on opportunities along the way.

The role involves visiting our many sites to support restoration planting, liaise with contractors and schools and community groups and monitor quality and progress. You’ll also spend time in our office, gaining experience in planning, and financial reports.

**What we offer**:

- Fixed term contract for a period of 3.5 years
- Career progression, training and development to continue your learning and inspire those that come after you
- A career path that can adapt as you grow new skills and discover fresh interests
- Ability to balance your hours around your family and other commitments.

**Who we are**:
Gisborne District Council is the local government, both district and regional authority for Tairawhiti, New Zealand. We are the proud winners of the 2019 LGNZ Excellence Awards, for our work to grow and promote the well-being of our community and people. With more and more people choosing Tairāwhiti for its lifestyle, environment and culture, it’s an exciting time to be joining our thriving and diverse region. At Gisborne District Council, we see you as more than a cog in the wheel; you are a valued voice for your whanau and community.
- Bring your whole self to work: we celebrate this and all it means.
- Represent our diverse community and be the guardian of our rich heritage.
- Have a hand in our legacy for Tairāwhiti’s Tāngata and lead the region now and into the future.

**Job Description**:
So, what are you waiting for?

Now is your opportunity to help shape the future of our region. Will you join us?

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