Policy Advisor

Policy Advisor
Buller District Council | Te Kaunihera o Kawatiri
Westport | Kawatiri
Permanent | Part-time | 32 Hours Per Week

Salary band: $60,000 - $65,000 annually, depending on skills & experience

Join the Buller District Council whānau | Hono mai ki te whānau o Te Kaunihera o Kawatiri
Buller District Council is seeking a motivated Policy Advisor to join our team and help shape the policies and bylaws that guide the future of our district.

Who are we? | Ko wai mātou?
Buller is a place where rugged landscapes, strong communities, and a spirit of resilience come together. Stretching from Karamea in the north to Punakaiki in the south, and inland to Reefton and beyond, our district is home to some of New Zealand's most spectacular environments. At Buller District Council, we're proud of our role as kaitiaki (guardians), working with our communities to support the environmental, social, cultural, and economic wellbeing of the Buller District. Together, we're building a district that is safe, connected, sustainable, and thriving.
As part of our team, you'll enjoy meaningful work, genuine relationships, and the opportunity to make a visible impact across the rohe.

Why Join Us? | He aha te take e hono mai ai ki a mātou?

At Buller District Council, you'll be part of a supportive and values-driven team that cares about its people and community.

We offer:

• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• A supportive team culture.
• Meaningful mahi that directly benefits our communities.
• Access to comprehensive EAP Services.
• Southern Cross Health Insurance
• An exceptional West Coast lifestyle with world-class outdoor recreation at your doorstep.
  

The Opportunity | Te Whai Wāhitanga
This role offers a unique mix of:

• Leading policy and bylaw reviews and development projects.
• Providing research-based policy advice and recommendations.
• Preparing reports, briefing papers and Council reports.
• Coordinating community consultation and engagement activities.
• Analysing legislation and monitor emerging policy issues.
• Building strong relationships with iwi, stakeholders and the community.
• Supporting elected members and staff with policy interpretation and implementation.

What You'll Bring | Ō Pūkenga me Ō Wheako
We are looking for someone with the following:
A strategic thinker with a collaborative approach, capable of translating complex issues into clear advice and practical outcomes for Council and the community.

Essential:

• Experience in policy development, analysis, or advisory roles.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written communication and report-writing abilities.
• Ability to interpret legislation and provide practical policy advice.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Public Policy, Law, Planning, Public Administration, Resource Management, or a related discipline.

Desirable:

• Experience in local government or the public sector.
• Experience developing or reviewing bylaws.
• Knowledge of the Local Government Act 2002, LGOIMA, and related legislation.
• Experience leading consultation and community engagement processes.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application within local government.
• Experience presenting reports and recommendations to governance bodies.
• Project management experience.
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field.

Ready for a New Challenge? | Kua rite koe mō tētahi wero hou?

If you're ready to make a significant impact and work in a supportive, forward-thinking environment, we’d love to hear from you!

Please find the position description here: https://tinyurl.com/y3ab5s5p

All applications are required to be accompanied by a cover letter and a copy of your current Curriculum Vitae.
Any enquiries about this role please email: bdc.hr@bdc.govt.nz

Applications close: 3PM, Friday, 21 August 2026