Ko wai matou | About us

The Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai (the Authority) was established as a Crown Entity in 2021, following the outbreak of illness in the Havelock North community as a result of drinking contaminated water from the public water supply. The Authority oversees and regulates the safety and quality of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services across New Zealand. We do this on behalf of consumers and communities throughout New Zealand, so they can have confidence in the safety and quality of their drinking water and the impact on their environment.

If you're a passionate and driven individual who shares our vision for making water safe every day for everyone, then join us and be part of making a difference.

Mo tenei turanga mahi | About this role

The Principal Engagement Advisor plays a pivotal role in leading and supporting a lift in water sector capability through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and relationship management during a critical period in water services in New Zealand. This role is fixed-term for 6 months.

The Principal Engagement Advisor will:

• play a key role managing and implementing the Authority's Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Strategy
• manage effective engagement programmes, systems, processes and strategies that advance relationship building with all suppliers, partners and stakeholders including iwi
• integrate and drive multiple workstreams toward a shared strategic vision of "safe water everyday, for everyone"
• work effectively with teams across the organisation, particularly with teams in the Strategic Advice and Relations Group including to uphold specific Te Tiriti settlement commitments.

Innovation and creativity are key drivers in the way we work - our size requires us to be smart and agile.

Ko koe tenei | About you

We are looking for someone who has:

• 10 to 15 years-plus relevant experience, including in the public sector
• demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, managing multiple projects and organising and delivering large and complex programmes of engagement work
• knowledge and understanding of IAP2 principles of good engagement practice
• excellent interpersonal, written and oral communications skills
• demonstrated expertise in prioritizing the demands of a diverse range of stakeholders
• a background in one or more of the following: local government; water networks; resource management; infrastructure planning; community relations
• experience in using a CRM/SRM system for stakeholder relationship management
• experience working closely with and understanding the function of Communications.

• demonstrated commitment to understanding and applying principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in partnership with Maori

To learn more about working at Taumata Arowai, please visit our Working Here page.

If you have any patai | questions about this role, contact us at recruitment@taumataarowai.govt.nz

Me pehea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our Talent Portal, click here to be redirected.

Ra Katinga | Applications close 5pm, Thursday 5 June 2026

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and suitable candidates may be progressed before the closing date. This advert may close early if the role is filled, so we encourage you to apply early.

You must have a legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of submitting your application.