Executive Assistant

Published: 24 September 2025_

Te whakapakari tahi i tō tātau Taiao - Enhancing our environment together.

Our vision is a healthy environment and a resilient and prosperous community.

**About The opportunity | Ko te āheinga**:
We’re on the lookout for an exceptional individual to join us as an Executive Assistant to our Te Pou Whakarae. This is a full time, fixed term (up to 7 months) opportunity based in our Napier office to cover parental leave.

In this position, you’ll ensure our Te Pou Whakarae is well supported by providing comprehensive administrative guidance and calendar management, while also providing pivotal administrative support for the wider Māori Partnerships team. This will involve collating papers for executive and external meetings, preparing and circulating agendas, recording minutes, and taking action points as required.

**About you | E pā ana ki a koe**:
You’ll be comfortable handling sensitive information with the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism. Your strong time management, organisation and excellent communication skills will see you shine in this role

You’ll be capable of high-level administrative support, including efficiently managing calendars, scheduling appointments, and making necessary travel arrangements. A high level of attention to detail and the ability to multitask is a must, as well as exceptional interpersonal skills and a proactive attitude.

You will also have:

- 5+ years’ experience including working for a senior manager/executive in an environment where confidentiality, judgement and discretion are paramount.
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Suite, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- The ability to take initiative and problem solve effectively.
- Sound understanding of tikanga Māori and Māori values and an appreciation as to how they relate to Regional Council functions and plan and policy development is desirable.
- Knowledge of financial systems is desirable.

**What we offer | Nga huanga mōu**:
As an equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We recognise that collaborative and innovative organisations depend on having a workforce made up from a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. We're all about excellence, and we encourage open communication - if you need any specific support, just let us know Our main goal is to empower each person to share their unique talents to contribute to the outcomes for our community. This commitment ensures that our workplace is a dynamic and progressive space where everyone can flourish.

HBRC is responsible for Civil Defence emergencies and as such, all staff may be called upon to support the response.

Applicants must have existing rights to work in New Zealand.

**About us | E pā ki a mātou**:
At Hawke’s Bay Regional Council our purpose is to work with our community to protect and manage the region’s precious taonga of rivers, lakes, soils, air, coast and biodiversity for health, wellbeing and connectivity. Our organisation is diverse, and our work is varied. Our structure comprises of six key business units; Corporate Services, Integrated Catchment Management, Asset Management, Māori Partnerships, Policy & Regulation, and the Executive Advisory Group which also consists of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

**We focus on prioritising**:
Te kounga o te wai, te haumarutanga me te mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi o te whakamarutanga | Water quality, safety and climate-resilient security.

Kia koi, kia toitū hoki te whakamahinga o te whenua | Climate-smart and sustainable land use.

Kia ora, kia āhei, kia mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi hoki te rerenga rauropi | Healthy, functioning and climate-resilient biodiversity.

Kia toitū, kia mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi hoki ngā ratonga me ngā hanganga ā-whare | Sustainable and climate-resilient services and infrastructure.