The West Coast Region (Te Kaunihera Whakakotahi o Te Tai Poutini) extends over a distance of 600 km from Kahurangi Point in the north to Awarua Point in the south. The fifth largest region in New Zealand, it is bounded in the east by the Southern Alps and in the west by the Tasman Sea. Nature has endowed the Region with a spectacular environment, with over 80 per cent of the land area under Department of Conservation stewardship.
Within this vast natural setting, the West Coast Regional Council plays a pivotal role in managing the environment from an economic, social, cultural and sustainability perspective. This ensures the community and its future generations will continue to appreciate the work opportunities, environment, spectacular outdoors and life balance offered in this stunning part of New Zealand.
Job Description
Help shape the future of the West Coast
Are you an experienced planning, reporting or policy professional who enjoys bringing people, information and strategy together?
We are looking for a Principal Planning & Reporting Officer to join our team and play a key role in shaping how Council plans, measures and communicates its work for the West Coast community.
This is a varied and influential role with responsibility for leading the delivery of Council’s Long-Term Plan, Annual Plan and Annual Report, as well as coordinating our internal and external audit programme and supporting the development of corporate policies and procedures.
You will work closely with our Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team, Group Managers and elected members, coordinating organisation-wide input and providing trusted advice on planning, reporting, performance and consultation.
Desired Skills and Experience
About you You will be a confident relationship builder and project leader who can bring people together, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines.
You will ideally have:
3–5 years’ experience in planning, reporting, policy or a similar role within local or central government or the public sector.
Experience delivering complex strategic or statutory planning and reporting processes.
Experience managing or coordinating internal and external audits.
Strong project management, analytical and report-writing skills.
Experience with consultation, public engagement and policy development.
The ability to influence and collaborate across an organisation without direct line authority.
A relevant tertiary qualification in finance, business or a related discipline would be advantageous.
Why join us? This is a great opportunity to make a real difference in a region where your work matters. You will be part of a friendly, committed team working to support the environmental, social and economic wellbeing of the West Coast.
Remote working is available, giving you the flexibility to work from elsewhere while remaining connected to our team and the work we do.
If you are a strategic thinker who enjoys turning complexity into clear, practical outcomes, we would love to hear from you.
