Mō mātou | About us

Our people love working here because we are an enthusiastic team, with a diverse range of skills and experience, who are all rowing in the same direction. We are all passionate about making a positive difference for our community, both now and for our future generations. What drives us is making Taranaki the best place in Aotearoa, New Zealand, to live, play and do business!

Our main office is based right in the centre of the region, right under our maunga (mountain), in Stratford. Living and working here means you have all the big city benefits, along with a rural lifestyle, and quick access to the sea, and breathtaking country.

Whakatakanga & Whanonga pono | Mission & Values

Our mission is to work for a thriving Taranaki by promoting the sustainable use, development and protection of our natural and physical resources, and advocating for the region’s best interests.

We are committed to providing a service first approach to the public and regional community, and in doing so aim to continue to better the quality of our performance while working safely, sustaining effective communication and teamwork, holding accountability for improvement, being results-driven, and holding high job satisfaction.

Watch the video to find out more about Taranaki Regional Council's kaupapa, culture and the impact of our mahi.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Tūpare is a 3.6-hectare property situated at 487 Mangorei Rd, New Plymouth. Developed from 1931 by the Matthews family, Tūpare has been regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest landscape gardens. The blend of a Chapman- Taylor heritage house, hard landscape features, tree and shrub plantings and flowerbeds, makes it a garden of distinction that has received much regional and national acknowledgement. It is now managed and cared for on behalf of the people of Taranaki by the Taranaki Regional Council. 

As a Gardener at Tūpare, you would utilise the knowledge gained from studying and/or previous work experience to work under the supervision of the Head Gardener undertaking garden maintenance and development activities. 
 
You will be based at Tūpare, and also work with the wider Taranaki Regional Council’s gardening team at Pukeiti and Hollard Gardens as required. This position is full time working from Monday through Friday, with the occasional weekend day required for workshops and events..

This position is fulltime, fixed term for 12 months.

Further details on the role can be found below on the Job Description link.

Job Description Gardener-Tupare

Mōu | About you 

You will bring your positive team spirit, willingness to learn and a confident customer focus to the team. Tūpare is a busy environment where you will enjoy working in a small team and taking an innovative approach to your tasks when working alone. Initiative and self-motivation is required, together with a good level of fitness and an ability to do some heavy lifting. A current driver’s licence is essential. 

We like to set people up for success, so you'll be a leading applicant if you have: 

Nationally recognised qualifications (or currently studying towards) a relevant discipline 
Practical experience in public gardening 
Knowledge of both native and exotic plants 
Previous experience in using and maintaining small plant and equipment such as ride on mowers, tractors, blowers and weed eaters 
Previous experience where you have had responsibility for regularly communicating with the public 
Confidence in participating with the hosting of events, running workshops and sharing gardening skills with the public.

What’s on offer? 
Taranaki Regional Council is a fantastic place to work! We have a great culture. 

Five weeks + one day annual leave entitlement
Active social club
Flexible working options 
Free car parking
Training opportunities within each role

However, the best part is working alongside fantastic people who are truly dedicated to the Taranaki region.

The starting remuneration range for this role is $58,047 - $68,291 per annum (including KiwiSaver).

Mō mātou | About us 

Interested? Here's How to Apply

Click on the ‘apply’ button, fill out your application form and add your CV and cover letter.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Taranaki Regional Council is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace based on different experiences, world views and a desire to learn. So, if you’re excited about this role, but don’t meet the criteria perfectly, we encourage you to reach out anyway. You might be just who we’re looking for.

Applications close 26 November 2026, however, we reserve the right to close this vacancy when we have received sufficient, suitable applications. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.