Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
The Communications and Engagement Lead leads Waitī Waters’ communications, engagement and consultation, helping build trust and strong relationships with communities, stakeholders and partners.
Based in Masterton, you’ll lead the Communications and Engagement team, provide strategic advice across Waitī Waters, and help establish a strong regional identity for the new organisation.
Key responsibilities
Lead communications and engagement that supports Waitī Waters’ priorities and customer outcomes.
Build strong relationships with councils, communities, iwi, stakeholders and sector partners.
Lead brand, media and reputation management, including emerging issues and reputational risks.
Oversee Waitī Waters’ communication channels and campaigns, across digital, print, media and community channels.
Provide strategic communications advice to senior leaders and bring community and stakeholder insights into decision-making.
Lead internal communications and a high-performing Communications and Engagement team, contributing to the wider leadership team.
Ko wai koe | About you
You know how to communicate clearly when the issues are complex, bring people with you through change, and build trusted relationships across diverse communities and stakeholders.
You’ll bring:
Significant experience in communications, engagement and stakeholder relations, ideally in an operational or customer-facing environment.
Experience developing and delivering communications and engagement strategies, including consultation and community engagement.
Strong media, issues and reputation management capability, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
The ability to build trusted relationships and influence effectively with senior leaders, councils, communities and other stakeholders.
Experience leading communications, engagement or stakeholder-focused teams.
A relevant tertiary qualification and a commitment to working in partnership with iwi and hapū.
Experience in local government, infrastructure, utilities or another customer-facing environment would be an advantage.
Ko wai mātou | About us
Waitī Waters is a new, publicly owned water services organisation headquartered in Masterton. Established under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025, Waitī Waters is being established by four district councils, South Wairarapa, Tararua, Carterton and Masterton, and two iwi, Rangitāne and Ngāti Kahungunu, to serve current and future generations in the Wairarapa and Tararua region.
Our responsibilities are significant and ambitious, delivering drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services to approximately 25,000 connections and managing $707 million in assets and a $466 million capital works programme into 2034.
How to apply
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and what interests you about this opportunity via the SEEK Apply button or you can email your CV and cover letter directly to [email protected] by Friday 13 November 2026.
Contact Us
Have questions before applying? Reach out to us at [email protected] with any queries.