Governance Advisor

Richmond, New Zealand

Reference: 6884432

Support the decisions that shape your community.

  • Full time permanent role
  • Flexible benefits package
  • Opportunity to support how decisions are made, not just recorded

Step in to this key role behind the scenes of Council decision-making. As a Governance Advisor, you'll work closely with elected members, ensuring governance processes are delivered with accuracy, integrity, and legislative compliance.

If you're someone who enjoys bringing structure and clarity to decision-making, and thrives on supporting and guiding others, then this is the role for you!

About the Opportunity

As Governance Advisor, you'll play a critical role in supporting Council and Committee functions, providing expert advice on governance processes, and ensuring legislative compliance across all activities. You'll be a go-to person for Councillors and stakeholders, someone they trust to keep things running smoothly, accurately, and professionally.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Act as a trusted advisor on governance and meeting procedures
  • Lead the preparation and delivery of agendas, minutes, and reports
  • Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and Council policies
  • Support elected members with guidance, training, and information
  • Maintain governance registers and documentation
  • Assist with local government election processes

About You:
You're someone who thrives in structured, high-accountability environments and understands the importance of governance in decision-making. You'll bring:

  • Experience in governance, local government, or a similar regulatory environment
  • Confidence interpreting legislation (LGOIMA, the Local Government Act 2002, the Local Electoral Act 2001) and applying it in practice
  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
  • A calm, solutions-focused approach under pressure

Why Tasman District Council?

In return, you'll have the opportunity to work closely with elected members and senior leaders, gaining exposure to the decision-making processes that shape the Tasman community. You'll be part of a supportive and values-driven organisation, with opportunities to further develop your career in governance.

You'll also receive

  • Medical insurance
  • A paid day off on your birthday
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • A collaborative, welcoming workplace
  • Relocation assistance for the successful candidate

There is potential to recruit x2 positions, and we may consider those currently working in an Officer or similar support role. Applications will be reviewed during the advertising period with the intention to interview suitable candidates prior to advertising closing.

Tasman offers an exceptional lifestyle - natural beauty on your doorstep, strong communities, and a growing, vibrant region. At Council, you'll find meaningful work and opportunities to grow your career.

Building great communities through employing great people. Will you be one of them?

For more information contact the People and Wellbeing team on 03 543 7229.

Applications Close: 13 May 2026

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What to expect after you apply

Once the vacancy closes you'll be contacted within 7 days as to whether or not your application has been successful.  If you've been shortlisted for an interview, you'll be contacted by one of the People & Wellbeing team to arrange a time to come in and meet with some of the team. 

We typically only do one interview, however depending on the seniority of the role or the role itself, we sometimes require two interviews.  For mid-senior level and team leader/manager roles, you may also be required to undertake psychometric testing.

In your interview, there will be a member of the People & Wellbeing team, the Hiring Manager and either their Manager or one of the senior member's of their team.  Our interview questions are predominantly behavioural and skills-based.

Summer Student Internships

Every year we employ a number of Summer Students across the Council to work for a period of 12-16 weeks over the summer months (mid-November to February). This is a great opportunity to gain work experience in your field of study, advertising begins early July, All applications are to be submitted via our website in July.

We typically have vacancies in Engineering, Environmental Information (Hydrology, Resource Science and Biosecurity), Information Services and Regulatory (Compliance Monitoring).

If you're an Engineering student interested in a Rivers Engineering career/Summer Student position, check out this website for more information - Careers | Resilient River Communities - Careers | Resilient River Communities (resilientrivers.nz).