Shaping our future | Kōmiria te anamata
Nelson City Council is undertaking one of the most significant local government transformations in New Zealand. Through Shaping Our Future, we’re organising ourselves around the people and communities we serve, getting clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the years ahead. We’re also working more closely with iwi, neighbouring councils and other partners to deliver better outcomes for Whakatū Nelson. Our new structure is in place, and we’re now recruiting for the roles that will bring it to life.
You’ll help shape integrated, long-term investment in the assets our community values, so they stay fit for purpose for generations to come.
About Nelson City Council |E pā ana ki te Kaunihera o Whakatū
Our vision for Whakatū Nelson is a creative, prosperous and innovative city. Our community is inclusive, resilient, and connected – we care for each other and our environment.
About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi
This new role sits in our Asset & Activity Planning business unit, reporting to the Head of Asset & Activity Planning. You’ll be the connection point for asset planning across Council, bringing the Activity Management Plans for every portfolio together in a joined-up way. You’ll spot the risks, gaps and dependencies between portfolios before they become problems, so Council has one coherent, evidence-based view of its assets. Working closely with the Head of Asset & Activity Planning, you’ll take ownership of business unit reporting, planning coordination and day-to-day issues, freeing them to focus on strategic priorities. The role is primarily office-based.
You will:
- Lead business unit performance reporting and planning coordination, resolving day-to-day issues and operational risks wherever you can
- Coordinate the development and integration of Activity Management Plans, Infrastructure Strategy and Water Services Strategy, and input into the Long Term Plan and annual planning processes
- Provide strategic analysis and advice on investment prioritisation and lifecycle optimisation, so proposed initiatives are cost efficient and effective
- Align asset planning with financial planning and Council-wide strategic frameworks, working across teams and with external partners and agencies
- Identify risks, gaps and dependencies across asset portfolios, lead mitigation planning and contribute to asset management strategies and policies
- Prepare high-quality reports, briefings and decision papers, and monitor compliance with legislative, regulatory and audit requirements
- Lead continuous improvement of planning frameworks, tools, processes and data, keeping up with best practice and changes to central government regulation
About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō
You see the big picture and can dig into the detail when it counts. You’re comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy and know when to resolve something yourself and when to escalate. You write with clarity and polish for senior leaders and elected members, and you build strong relationships and influence outcomes without relying on formal authority.
You will bring:
- A relevant tertiary qualification in engineering, planning, asset management or a related discipline
- A solid understanding of asset and activity management principles, infrastructure planning and lifecycle management
- Experience coordinating or contributing to AMPs, an Infrastructure Strategy, LTP or annual planning processes in a complex organisation
- Strong analytical skills across financial, investment and risk analysis to support evidence-based decisions
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a polished, business-focused writing style suited to senior leaders and elected members
- Experience in governance reporting and legislative and regulatory compliance
- A track record of leading continuous improvement and embedding best practice
What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu
- Supportive, empowering leadership that backs you to do your best work
- Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives
- Fully subsidised health insurance
- Generous leave provisions
- Learning and professional development opportunities
- A range of employee benefits and discounts
- Meaningful work that shapes our community’s future
- Mountains, beaches and national parks on your doorstep
At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Applications close | Rā whakakapi
Midnight on Wednesday 18 November 2026
For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai
Please reach out to David Light, Head of Asset & Activity Planning on: [email protected]