Senior Event Organiser

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

A rare chance to help curate and deliver the Festival of Lights - one of Aotearoa’s most iconic summer experiences!

Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu (NPDC) is offering a standout opportunity for an experienced Senior Event Organiser to join our Venues & Events Team. This role is available full-time permanent or as a contracted position, offering flexibility for the right candidate.

In this pivotal role, you’ll take creative and operational leadership of the Festival of Lights signature light installations, working directly with artists and technical specialists to curate and implement a world-class event experience. You’ll bring strength across project management, creative curation, stakeholder engagement, budget oversight, health and safety leadership, risk management and seasonal team development – ensuring the festival continues to shine as a hallmark of Taranaki’s summer.

Key Responsibilities | Ngā haepapa matua

• Curate light installations - Drive procurement and creative curation with artists and event lighting partners.


• Provide operation support - Apply practical operational knowledge to identify issues and support troubleshooting.


• Negotiate and manage contracts - Secure supplier and artist agreements within budget.


• Manage key contractors & artists - Oversee key event light service contractor and artists with pack-in, maintenance, and pack‑out activities.


• Manage and oversee budgets - Manage annual lighting and capital expenditure budgets.


• Drive strategic planning - Use data insights and industry trends to inform future direction.


• Build partnerships - Maintain strong relationships with artists, suppliers and industry experts.


• Engage stakeholders - Foster positive internal and external stakeholder relationships


• Supervise staff - Schedule and roster the pack-in and pack-out seasonal staffing requirements. Provide leadership, coaching and training to some seasonal team members.


• Lead Health & Safety - Deliver H&S plans, inductions and on‑site monitoring.

Essential Skills and Experience | Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako

• Project & event leadership - Proven strength in project management and end‑to‑end event delivery.


• Relevant qualifications - Event management degree/diploma or 5+ years of professional event management experience.


• Clear communication - Excellent written and verbal communication, paired with strong time‑management capability.


• Stakeholder confidence - Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders and the wider community.


• Detail‑driven mindset - High attention to detail and a proactive, solutions‑focused approach.


• Technical understanding - Working knowledge of specialist technical requirements would be helpful, balancing artistic vision with practical installation needs.


• Commitment to safety - Understanding of environmental integrity and electrical safety to ensure the longevity of installations and the protection of the park environment.

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.

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

For the right person, we are open to this being a permanent, full-time role or a contracted role with a salary of between $88,157 - $95,013.

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 Friday 26 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.