People and Culture 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.

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

Are you a people leader who thrives on creating exceptional workplace experiences and delivering operational excellence.

We're looking for an experienced People & Culture Lead to join our People & Wellbeing team in this permanent, full-time role. Reporting to the Manager People & Wellbeing, you'll play a key role in delivering people-focused initiatives, frameworks and operational HR services that help attract, retain and develop great talent across our organisation.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll support the delivery of people strategies that enable a high-performing, safe, and engaged workforce. You'll partner with leaders across the organisation, provide trusted advice and guidance, and help create an environment where our people can do their best work.

Leading a team of six talented professionals, you'll foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, wellbeing, and continuous improvement while ensuring the delivery of high-quality people services that align with our values, goals and strategic priorities.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who genuinely enjoys working with people. You'll be joining a supportive, high-performing team that works hard, values strong relationships, and isn't afraid to have a laugh along the way.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a proactive and people-centred HR leader who enjoys making a real impact, influencing positive change and helping shape an exceptional employee experience.

Key Responsibilities | Ngā haepapa matua

• Provide trusted HR advice and support to managers on workforce planning, employee relations, performance, remuneration, engagement, and culture.


• Deliver end-to-end HR services, including recruitment, onboarding, performance support, and policy application.


• Support compliance with employment legislation, organisational policies, and good employer obligations.


• Coordinate learning and development initiatives that build capability and support employee growth.


• Drive employee engagement and culture initiatives that foster an inclusive and positive workplace.


• Partner with leaders to support organisational change, continuous improvement, and workforce initiatives.


• Promote health, safety, and wellbeing practices, programs, and compliance across the organisation.


• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to deliver effective people solutions.


• Contribute to high-quality, customer-focused People & Wellbeing services and a collaborative team culture.


• Identify opportunities to improve people processes, systems, and service delivery outcomes, including support to Council CCOs.

Essential Skills and Experience | Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako

• Demonstrated experience as a senior HR management professional or relevant degree.

• Proven leadership experience managing a service delivery team operating in a dynamic environment.

• Able to challenge ‘mental models’ in a positive and constructive way, to drive change and new thinking.

• Sound knowledge and understanding of New Zealand employment legislation.

• Some experience working with the Health & Safety at Work legislation

• Ability to work strategically and implement positive organisational solutions

• Proven ability to build strong working relationships.

• Solid experience with Industrial and Employment Relations.

• Experience with remuneration and performance frameworks including modeling of remuneration for annual processes eg. reviews and bargaining with union partners.

• Strong organisational and project management skills.

• Experience with the implementation and management of HRIS systems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and superior interpersonal skills.

• Financial modeling and budget management experience.

• High level of computer literacy.

Why Taranaki? | He aha ngā hua o te rohe nei?

Taranaki isn’t just a region - it’s a way of life. Here, you’ll find the perfect blend of career opportunities and lifestyle in one incredible place. Framed by the majestic Mounga Taranaki and the sparkling Tasman Sea, this is where you can hike world-class trails, surf uncrowded beaches and immerse yourself in a vibrant arts and culture scene – all within minutes of each other.

With affordable living, great schools and a strong sense of community, Taranaki is the ideal spot to live, work and raise a family. Whether you’re chasing adventure, craving tranquillity or looking for both, life here offers an unbeatable balance that makes every day extraordinary.

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:

• Clear career pathways - to help you grow and succeed


• 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.

You can expect to start in this permanent, full-time role with a salary of between $132,847 - $143,208.

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 5 August 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.