Interim Stormwater Lead

Join Us at New Plymouth District Council!

Tūhono mai ki Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu!

Who Are We? | Ko wai mātou?

Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu – New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) is shaping the future of our district. We’re here to serve our community and create a place where people love to live, work and visit. Guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we’re committed to building strong partnerships that honour and celebrate our rich cultural heritage.

Our new vision - Thriving Today, Resilient Tomorrow reflects our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our people and places now, while preparing our district for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Innovation, sustainability and collaboration drive everything we do as we deliver services and initiatives that help our communities flourish.

At Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu, we’re proud to be an inclusive and dynamic organisation that values people, creativity and progress. If you’re passionate about making a real impact and being part of something bigger, this is the place for you.

The Opportunity | Te āheinga

We’re looking for an experienced and strategic leader to step into the role of Interim Stormwater Lead on a 12-month fixed-term basis during a critical period of transformation across local government water services.

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of stormwater service delivery by leading the development of Council’s Stormwater Water Services Strategy. Working at the centre of strategic planning and infrastructure decision-making, you’ll help ensure Council meets its obligations under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025 while aligning stormwater outcomes with the Water Services Delivery Plan, Long Term Plan, Infrastructure Strategy and wider growth planning frameworks.

As the single accountable lead for stormwater strategy delivery, you’ll bring people together across the organisation - coordinating technical specialists, planners and engagement teams to develop a practical, future-focused and compliant approach to stormwater management.

This interim role sits within the Corporate Planning and Policy team and offers the chance to influence long-term community outcomes during a significant period of organisational and three waters transition. You’ll work closely with senior leaders and subject matter experts, balancing strategic thinking with delivery focus to help guide Council through an evolving regulatory environment.

If you thrive in complexity, enjoy connecting strategy with action, and want to make a meaningful impact on the future of water services, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities | Ngā haepapa matua

• Lead the end‑to‑end development of the Stormwater Water Services Strategy in accordance with legislative and regulatory requirements.


• Ensure the Strategy is high quality, defensible, evidence‑based and adopted by Council by 30 June 2027.


• Coordinate cross‑organisational inputs into a coherent, integrated stormwater strategy.


• Identify implications of any proposed strategic changes that may trigger formal amendments to statutory or planning documents.


• Provide assurance to senior leadership and elected members on progress, risks and readiness of the Stormwater Water Services Strategy.


• Identify and manage statutory, strategic, operational and reputational risks associated with stormwater planning.


• Support reporting and engagement requirements with the Department of Internal Affairs and other regulators.


• Lead the coordination of engagement activities related to the Stormwater Water Services Strategy.


• Work closely with internal stakeholders, mana whenua, key agencies and elected members.


• Prepare high-quality reports, briefings and presentations to support governance decision-making.

Essential Skills and Experience | Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako

• Significant experience in strategy development, infrastructure planning or public‑sector policy.


• Strong understanding of local government statutory planning and governance frameworks.


• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross‑organisational programmes without direct line management authority.


• Proven experience preparing reports and advice for senior leadership and elected members.


• Ability to integrate technical, financial and community considerations into strategic planning.


• Relevant Tertiary Qualification

Desirable 

• Experience with three waters or stormwater services.


• Familiarity with Water Services Delivery Plans and regulatory reporting environments.


• Experience working in periods of organisational or sector transition.

What We Offer | Ngā Ratonga

At New Plymouth District Council, we’re not just offering jobs – we’re building careers and creating a workplace where people thrive.

When you join us, you’ll discover:

• Learning and development opportunities - that keep you ahead of the game


• Support for personal and professional growth - so you can be your best self

Plus, our People’s Package is designed with you in mind, covering five key pillars:
Wellbeing, Development, Benefits, Culture and Recognition.

Because at NPDC, it’s not just about what you do – it’s about who you become.

A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Why Join Us? | Ngā hua o tō hono mai?  

Your wellbeing matters to us. We’re committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where your contributions are valued and celebrated. Together, we’re shaping a vibrant future for New Plymouth - one step, one idea, one achievement at a time.

Applications close Wednesday 24th June 2026

Be part of a council that values people, culture, and opportunity.

Me tūhono mai koe kia tautoko I te Ngāmotu o āpōpō!

Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.