Website Gisborne District Council
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
Fixed-term, Part-time (32 hrs/wk) position until June 2026
Drive transformation for Tairāwhiti’s urban freshwater systems and lead a team making real change.
We’re seeking a dynamic, culturally aware and highly organised Programme Manager – Haumanu tū Ora to lead the restoration of the mauri and ora of the Tūranganui Estuary system and the rivers and streams that feed it. This role is a unique opportunity to blend programme and project management expertise with kaupapa Māori and environmental restoration, delivering outcomes that support both ecological health and community wellbeing.
Mō te tūranga | About the position
As Programme Manager, you will oversee the delivery of the Haumanu tū Ora programme (formerly the Freshwater Improvement Fund Programme), a $4.95 million initiative involving multiple workstreams. You will lead a passionate team, working in partnership with iwi and hapū to build relationships with community and key stakeholders, and ensure the programme delivers on time, within budget, and to the highest quality.
You’ll respect and elevate Mātauranga-a-Iwi, Mātauranga-a-Hapū and Mātauranga-a-Māori as central knowledge systems, and work in a way that upholds the tikanga, values and aspirations of Mana Whenua in our rohe.
Ngā Mahi ngā Takohanga Matua rānei | Duties include:
- Leading and coordinating all programme and project activities within Haumanu tū Ora
- Managing budgets, reporting to governance and funders, and tracking benefit realisation
- Building trusted relationships with mana whenua and diverse stakeholders
- Supporting and developing a capable team of project leaders
- Ensuring cultural values and partnership principles are embedded in all work
- Coordinating procurement and compliance in line with Council policies
- Ensuring projects align with Council’s environmental, social and partnership outcomes
- Upholding Council’s Te Tiriti Compass Framework.
Ngā Pūkenga me Ngā Wheako e Hiahia ana | Skills and experience required:
- A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline
- A formal programme/project management qualification (or equivalent experience)
- Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and large-scale programmes
- Extensive experience working alongside mana whenua and communities
- Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and ability to work in Te Ao Māori contexts
- Excellent communication, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
- A passion for freshwater restoration and sustainable land management
- A current full driver’s licence.
Ngā Huanga | Benefits
- Flexible on start and finish times and hybrid working (home and work)
- Field and office based position with flexibility to determine daily activities
- Ora Day leave – birthday or any other significant day leave!
- Piritahi Day – an additional leave day to spend with whānau & friends.
- Waiata group and Kawhe Korero Te Reo class.
- Staff Discounts at local retailers and big brands
- Work with a great team and enjoy regular, lively social events!
- Access to reduced health insurance premiums for you and your family through Southern Cross
- Walking distance to the CBD
- Modern office space
- Free eye exams
- A culture of health and wellbeing with free EAP services and regular staff wellness initiatives
- Annual flu vaccinations and health checks
- 1 of 6 Unitary Authorities in NZ.
He aha ngā painga o te kaunihera | Why work for Gisborne District Council
Here at Gisborne District Council, we pull our values from the community we serve. It makes sense then that we are enthusiastic about culture in our workplace. Family and inclusivity are deep seated in our ethos. With Treaty partnership front of mind, we’re serious about building a workforce that enhances our commitment to deliver.
We work hard together to make our people proud, and our whanau are why we are so passionate about what we do for the community.
Me pēhea te tono mai | How to Apply
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the role will be filled once we find the right candidate.
If you’re interested, click APPLY now!
For more information, email recruitment@gdc.govt.nz.
Applications are to be made online via SEEK. Please note: we will not be accepting email applications.
Applications close Thursday, 28 May 2025 at 5.00pm.
To view the job description, visit our careers page at www.gdc.govt.nz/council/careers and check the job attachments section.
To apply for this job please visit www.seek.co.nz.