People & Capability Advisor

Come work with us

Waitaki District Council is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our 23,000 residents and creating a thriving, sustainable community. With a committed team of professionals, we provide essential services 24/7, ensuring the wellbeing of our district. We manage infrastructure, environmental conservation, community development, and regulatory services, responding to thousands of community interactions each year while proactively addressing local needs and challenges.

We're committed to specific goals and targets that emphasize our collaborative approach with iwi, local communities, other government sectors, and business partners. Together, living our organisational attitudes and behaviours, we will build a thriving one-team culture, enabling delivery of excellence in service for Waitaki.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

This is a part-time (0.5 FTE), on-site role based in our Ōamaru head office. You'll play an important part in our People & Capability (P&C) team, providing generalist HR advice, supporting recruitment and onboarding, and helping deliver initiatives that strengthen culture, engagement, and capability across the organisation.

Our People and Capability team is a nationally recognised, award-winning team, and Council is considered an Employer of Choice. We're proud of our reputation for innovation, wellbeing, and creating a great place to work - where our people thrive and can make a real difference for our communities.

Working as a trusted business partner, you'll:

• Support managers and staff with day-to-day HR advice and queries.
• Lead and assist with recruitment, onboarding, and induction.
• Help resolve employment-related matters and ensure compliance with employment legislation and Council policy.
• Contribute to training and development planning and support delivery.
• Maintain accurate employee data and reporting.
• Collaborate across Council to implement people strategies that enhance performance and wellbeing.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, problem-solving, and building strong working relationships in a friendly, supportive, and close-knit team.

He aha taau e kawe mai | What you'll bring

You'll bring:

• 3+ years' experience as an HR generalist.
• Strong understanding of employment law, HR best practice, and workplace policy.
• Exposure to payroll operations
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• A proactive, people-focused approach, with a commitment to integrity and confidentiality.
• Ideally, a relevant tertiary qualification (Diploma or Degree).

You'll be hands-on, adaptable, and thrive in an environment where every day offers something new.

Mo tātou | About us

Waitaki District Council (WDC) is a dynamic and progressive local government organisation dedicated to serving the residents and communities of the Waitaki District. Our mission is to foster a thriving, innovative and sustainable community through effective governance, quality service delivery and a commitment to continuous improvement.

As a proud 2025 HRD Employer of Choice Excellence Awardee, we are recognised nationally for creating a workplace where our people feel supported, valued and empowered to make a difference. We are building a culture of collaboration, wellbeing and growth, where our people can do their best work for our district and each other.

At WDC, we provide a wide range of essential services that contribute to the well-being and development of our district. These services include:

• Infrastructure and Environment: We manage and maintain roads, water supply, waste management, and recreational facilities, ensuring that our district's infrastructure meets the needs of our growing community.
• Community and Economic Development: We support local businesses, tourism, and community initiatives, promoting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.
• Regulatory Services: We ensure compliance with building, environmental, and public health standards to create a safe and healthy environment for all.
• Customer and Community Engagement: We actively engage with our community to understand their needs and provide high-quality customer service through various channels.

WDC is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration, striving to be a leading council that makes Waitaki a better place to live, work, and visit. Join us in our mission to build a vibrant and prosperous future for our district.

WDC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. International research tells us that women and people from minority groups don't always apply for roles if they are concerned that they don't meet every single one of the requirements. We're open to talking to you about how your skills and experiences could be a great fit with what we need and what we're trying to achieve.

Me pēhea te tono | How to Apply

If this position sounds like you, click apply now and submit a tailored Cover Letter and CV. Before confirmation of hire, pre-employment checks will be undertaken which may include references, credit checks, drug and alcohol testing and police vetting prior to any written offer being made.

All applications must be submitted online and will not be accepted directly via email.

All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The full time salary for this position will commence between $77,501 and $91,178 dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role.

Applications close Friday 19 December 2025

For any queries related to this position, please contact