Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
The People and Culture Lead leads Waitī Waters’ people strategy, practices and organisational capability, helping build the workforce, leadership and culture needed for the future.
Based in Masterton, you’ll lead the People and Culture team, provide trusted advice to leaders, and help build a capable, engaged organisation from the ground up.
Key responsibilities
Lead workforce strategy and planning, using workforce insights to build the capability and capacity Waitī Waters needs.
Lead recruitment, retention and workforce development, including learning and leadership capability.
Provide practical people and employment relations advice, supported by clear and consistent people policies and practices.
Lead organisational development, performance, engagement and wellbeing initiatives that support a positive, high-performing culture.
Oversee people systems, workforce reporting and payroll governance, and lead the people aspects of organisational change.
Lead and develop a high-performing People and Culture team and contribute to Waitī Waters' wider leadership.
Ko wai koe | About you
You’ll be an experienced people and culture leader who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery, trusted advice and strong relationship management.
Significant experience leading people and culture, HR or organisational development, ideally in an operational environment.
Strong capability in workforce strategy, planning and organisational development.
Sound employment relations and HR advisory expertise, with a strong understanding of New Zealand employment legislation.
Experience across recruitment, capability development, organisational change and people systems.
Strong relationship management, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with leaders.
A commitment to building a positive, inclusive culture and working in partnership with iwi and hapū.
Experience in local government, infrastructure, utilities or another complex environment would be valuable.
Experience supporting organisational establishment or transformation would also be an advantage.
A relevant tertiary qualification and HRNZ membership are desirable.
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.