Advisor, Communications and Engagement

New Zealand Transport Agency; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency in Hamilton or Tauranga is seeking an experienced Advisor in Communication and Engagement to support project teams and stakeholders across Waikato and Bay of Plenty. You will help develop content for major transport projects, deliver engagement plans, and share compelling stories about our work through newsletters, media materials and community events.

A tertiary qualification in communications is required; you will be collaborative, organized and able to manage

Qualifications

• Experience in communications, engagement, public relations or related field.
• Strong writing and editing skills; ability to simplify complex information.
• Knowledge of channels, tools and techniques; ability to build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Provide communications and engagement advice to project teams and partners.
• Support development and delivery of communications and engagement plans.
• Create high-quality content across channels.
• Build relationships with stakeholders, communities and partners.
• Share compelling stories highlighting NZTA's impact.
• Contribute to engagement activities, events and stakeholder comms.
• Support management of communications risks and issues.
• Capture insights to improve future activities.

Skills

Written & verbal communication

Stakeholder engagement

Content creation

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Tools

Content management systems

Job description

Based in Hamilton or Tauranga Are you a skilled communications professional who enjoys creating engaging content, building great relationships and delivering work that makes a real difference to communities? Play a critical role in engaging partners and stakeholders about our work in Waikato or Bay of Plenty. Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity We are looking an experienced and proactive Advisor in Communication and Engagement to join the Waikato Bay of Plenty team and work alongside project teams and stakeholders. You'll support the delivery of a wide range of communications products and engagement initiatives, from stakeholder updates and community events through to digital content, newsletters, media materials and project communications. No two days will be the same. One day you could be developing content for a major transport project, and the next supporting community engagement activities or helping identify opportunities to tell positive stories about our work.

In this role you'll:

• Provide communications and engagement advice to project teams and business partners
• Support the development and delivery of communications and engagement plans
• Create high-quality content across a variety of channels
• Build relationships with stakeholders, communities and partners
• Help identify and share compelling stories that showcase the impact of NZTA's work
• Contribute to engagement activities, events and stakeholder communications
• Support the management of communications risks and issues
• Use communication channels, tools and techniques to ensure the right messages reach the right audiences
• Capture insights and feedback to help improve future communications and engagement activities

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You are a proactive communicator who enjoys working with people, learning new things and delivering quality work. You're organised, adaptable and comfortable managing multiple priorities while maintaining strong attention to detail. You will also have:

• Experience in communications, engagement, public relations or a related field
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to turn complex information into clear and engaging content
• Knowledge of communications channels, tools and techniques
• Experience building positive and productive working relationships
• A collaborative approach and willingness to learn from others
• Good judgement and the ability to identify risks and solutions
• A positive, can-do attitude and commitment to delivering quality outcomes

Qualifications

A tertiary qualification in communications or a related discipline. Training or qualification in IAP2 is desirable but not essential. You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.

Ko wai mātou | About us

At NZTA, it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for New Zealand. NZTA has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years time. Te Waka Kōtuia our Engagement and Partnerships group supports the success of NZTA by strengthening relationships with our central and local government partners, communities and industry. We do this by telling great stories about the work NZTA does. Our diverse work spans a range of partners and stakeholders - we support Ministers, coordinate collaboration across central government, lead relationships with our local government partners, and engage directly with the New Zealand public. Along with our other benefits we also have NZTA, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance scheme available for permanent employees.

RÅ Katinga | Applications close: 6 November 2026 For further information, email: [e-mail]

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values.

Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Ko wai mātou | About us

At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. Waka Kotahi has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years time.