Senior Communications and Engagement Advisor
Provide expert strategic communications and engagement advice, planning and delivery for a range of issues and programmes of work, ensuring Tiaki Wai's campaigns and channels are well managed.
Be part of an organisation that delivers essential services to our community
Provide strategic communications advice and support to Senior leaders
Be a part of a dynamic and engaged team
This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week, based in Petone.
The remuneration range for this role is $101,125 to $142,765 (including KiwiSaver) depending on skills and experience
The opportunity
As a key member of the Communications and Engagement team, you'll lead and implement strategic communications and engagement and provide advice to our organisation to grow and protect Tiaki Wai’s reputation. You'll enjoy working in a fast-paced and delivery-focused environment and be part of a diverse and high-performing team. Your duties will include being on an Emergency Management on call roster.
You will get to:
Lead and implement strategic communications and engagement initiatives
Identify reputational risks and provide strategic communications advice and support to mitigate these
Respond to and manage reactive media enquiries as well as identifying and pitching proactive media opportunities
Build and maintain strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
Develop engaging and targeted content for our channels.
About you
To be successful in this role you will bring:
At least five to seven years' experience in delivering best practice strategic communications and engagement - preferably in a service delivery or operational organisation but not essential
A tertiary qualification in communications or relevant industry experience
Strong skills in all areas of communications - corporate communications, media, community engagement, stakeholder management, and crisis and issues management
Experience with planning and delivering engaging content across a range of channels
Excellent writing and editing skills and experience in translating complex information into simple and clear communications
Experience with working and providing advice to senior leaders.
Benefits
At Tiaki Wai, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.
Our benefits include:
Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home
Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
Formal and informal professional development opportunities
5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service
For a full list of our employee benefits click here.
About us
Tiaki Wai is a council-owned organisation responsible for managing the delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Wellington.
We manage public-owned extensive water infrastructure and oversee the delivery of safe and reliable services for our communities. We focus on long-term investment, asset management, maintenance, and delivering major infrastructure projects that support public health, environmental protection, and regional growth.
Water is a precious taonga. At Tiaki Wai, we put care into every drop and are guided by our values of Integrity, Care, and Leadership. We work directly with water consumers and in partnership with councils and mana whenua to deliver better water outcomes for current and future generations.
Applications close: Sunday 2 August 2026
How to apply
To view a copy of the position description: click here
To apply for the role, click on the ‘apply’ button or visit the Tiaki Wai Careers site, if you are a Tiaki Wai employee please apply using your work email.
For further information, email: JoinUs@tiakiwai.co.nz
Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Tiaki Wai. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.
- Department
- Corporate Services
- Locations
- Petone Office
Petone Office
Staff benefits
1. Inclusive Culture: It is important to us that people love our culture. We embrace a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is at our core. Our team is united by passion, dedication, and a shared care for water and our community.
2. Safety and Support: We provide an Employee Assistance Scheme for crucial personal support, along with wellbeing and lifestyle education delivered through our Wellbe Team, ensuring you feel supported in and out of the workplace.
3. Health is Wealth: We prioritise your health with an annual voluntary health "warrant of fitness," immunisations, and flu vaccinations. Moreover, enjoy annual subsidised vision testing and contributions toward glasses to ensure clear vision.
4. Work-Life Balance: Where possible there is access to flexible work practices. And take advantage of our annual leave, reaching five weeks after three years of service, and 10 days sick leave from starting with us. In addition, take one paid day a year for your personal Wellbeing. We also offer parental leave and partner entitlements to support you during significant life moments.
5. Comprehensive Benefits: We have partnered with providers for discounted Southern Cross medical insurance, periodic vision and hearing tests, and eyewear subsidies. You can also access discounts at a range of retailers via Boost. Gain access to top-notch gear, machinery, PPE, and tools, fostering a safe work environment if you are “on the tools”. We also offer a staff referral bonus paid when a person is recruited for a senior front line position, and we may offer relocation support if you need to move into the district to work here.
6. Professional Growth: Grow your skills with a range of development opportunities. Boosting your personal and work career.
7. Community Connection: You can take one paid day a year to participate in voluntary work on a water-related activity. And maybe join our active Waiata group and be part of a community that works together, sings, and thrives together.
