People & Workforce Partner - Water Services Organisation

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Join Tauranga City Council as a full-time on-site fixed-term People & Workforce Partner, supporting the establishment of a regional Water Services Organisation through to 30 June 2027. In this hands-on partner role you’ll help design and implement people structures and processes, deliver practical HR advice and workforce insights, and support workforce planning, organisation design and change activities across a high profile transition with strong engagement across leaders and workstreams. To succeed, bring a tertiary HR qualification, proven data analytics and dashboard skills, the ability to turn insights into action, and superb stakeholder management with integrity and confidentiality. Desirable: public sector experience and Te Tiriti understanding. Apply online by 15 July 2026, provide concrete examples of change delivery, tailor your CV to show delivery, collaboration and impact, and contact Heather Burton for more information if needed.

Te Tūranga | About the role

We’re looking for a People & Workforce Partner until 30th June 2027 to support the establishment of a new regional Water Services Organisation.

Working closely with the People & Workforce Lead, this role will play a key part in designing and implementing people structures, systems and processes that enable a successful organisational set-up and transition.

This is a hands-on partnering role where you’ll provide practical people advice, workforce insights and delivery support across a complex and high-profile programme of work. You’ll contribute to workforce planning, organisation design, employee transition and change activities—helping ensure a smooth, people-focused transition.

What you’ll be part of:

• Supporting the establishment of a new water organisation
• Working across a complex transition and change programme
• Providing workforce insights, reporting and dashboards to support decision-making
• Partnering with leaders and workstreams to enable strong staff engagement and communication
• Collaborating with wider People & Culture teams across councils

Ngā Pukenga | What you’ll need to succeed

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring strong HR partnering capability along with a practical, delivery-focused approach in a fast-moving environment.

You’ll also have:

• A tertiary qualification in HR or related discipline
• Proven experience in data analytics, workforce reporting and dashboard preparation
• Ability to provide clear, practical people advice and insights to support change and transition
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
• High level of integrity and ability to manage confidential information
• Experience supporting organisational change, transition or establishment (desirable)
• Understanding of public sector or local government environments (desirable)
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in practice

Te Tukanga | How to apply

If you want to be part of an energetic, fun, and supportive team, then we'd love to hear from you. For more information, please contact Heather Burton at [email protected]

Please note we will not be accepting applications via email. If you wish to apply, please click ‘Apply’ at the bottom of this page and follow the link.

Applications will close 15th July 2026

We’re committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those living with disabilities.
If you need any support or adjustments to take part in our recruitment process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected]

• You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

Job Description: People & Workforce Partner - Water Services Organisation