Community Policy Advisor

Richmond, New Zealand

Reference: 6893432

If you're passionate about shaping strong, inclusive communities and supporting sound local government decision‑making this role offers the opportunity to make an impact.

  • Help shape long term plans
  • Guide how our community grows and thrives.
  • Base salary + benefits package + more!

About the role:

Based in Richmond, the Community Policy Advisor is a key member of the Strategic Planning and Enterprise team contributing to Council's long‑ and medium‑term planning and policy programme. You'll provide advice that supports informed decision‑making, meets statutory requirements and contributes to the current and future needs of communities.

You'll deliver timely, high‑quality policy guidance to councillors, managers and colleagues and lead the development of key strategic and community planning documents. To inform this work, you'll engage with our communities to understand their views. The role also supports Council accountability by translating performance information into meaningful reporting.

About you:

You enjoy working with complexity and translating it into clear, practical advice. You'll bring strong critical thinking, clear written and verbal communication skills and the confidence to present information to elected members, leaders and the public.

You'll also have a relevant degree and applicable experience along with a sound understanding of how local government operates. While we're ideally looking for someone with solid policy experience, we welcome applications from strong candidates who are earlier in their career.

You're collaborative and proactive in your approach with a genuine commitment to quality service and positive community impact. You'll bring sound knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and value working within te ao Māori.

Why Join Us?

This is a fabulous opportunity to join a performance and values-based organisation that invests in the development of its people. At council we offer:

  • A great team environment
  • Attractive benefits package
  • Health insurance
  • A paid day off on your birthday!
  • Relocation assistance may be available

Sound interesting? Apply today!

For more information contact the People & Wellbeing Team on 03 543 8405.


Applications Close: 14 Jun 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).