Communications Partner

Rotorua Lakes Council; Rotorua; Hybrid; NZD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rotorua Lakes Council is seeking an experienced Communications Partner to deliver clear, timely and meaningful communications that build trust and keep our community informed and engaged. This is a hands-on, senior role providing trusted advice to senior leaders and project teams across the organisation, helping them develop communication and engagement strategies and navigate complex issues.

As part of our Communications and Engagement team, you'll manage a diverse portfolio, support

Qualifications

• Tikanga Māori knowledge and Te Tiriti o Waitangi understanding.
• Experience in strategic communications for a large or political environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in professional settings.
• Ability to build relationships and influence across senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver strategic communications and engagement plans aligned to council priorities.
• Work with media, prepare media releases, manage enquiries, and support spokespeople.
• Champion engagement with iwi and mana whenua reflecting partnership commitments.
• Identify and respond to reputational risks and emerging issues.
• Provide communications support during crisis and emergency events.
• Collaborate with in-house Digital and Content teams on audience-focused content.
• Tell stories behind council people, projects and services to connect with communities.

Skills

Tikanga Māori

Media relations

Strategic communications

Stakeholder management

Crisis communications

Written and verbal communication

Job description

Help shape the conversations that matter to Rotorua

At Rotorua Lakes Council, the work we do has a direct impact on the people, places and communities that make the Rotorua district unique. We're looking for an experienced Communications Partner to deliver clear, timely and meaningful communications that build trust and confidence in Rotorua Lakes Council and keep our community informed and engaged.

This is a hands‑on, senior communications advisor role where no two days are the same. Working in a business partnership model, you'll provide trusted advice to senior leaders and project teams across the organisation, helping them develop communication and engagement strategies, navigate risk and complex issues, and deliver communications that help people understand what Council is doing and why it matters.

As part of our Communications and Engagement team, you'll manage a diverse portfolio of work, providing communications support for some of Council's most significant priorities, projects and services.

Working collaboratively with our engagement advisors you'll help ensure our community has meaningful and accessible opportunities to participate in Council decision‑making and understand how their views help shape outcomes.

What you'll be doing

• Developing and delivering strategic communications and engagement plans that support Council priorities and community outcomes.
• Working with media, including developing media releases managing enquiries, and supporting Council spokespeople.
• Championing effective engagement with iwi, and mana whenua and ensuring communications and engagement activities reflect Council's partnership commitments.
• Identifying, managing and responding to reputational risks and emerging issues.
• Providing communications support during crisis situations and emergency events.
• Collaborating with our in‑house Digital and Content team to create engaging, audience‑focused content and campaigns across a range of channels.
• Telling the stories behind Council's people, projects and services in ways that resonate with and connect with Rotorua communities.

We are looking for someone who enjoys working collaboratively, thrives in a fast‑paced environment, and can turn complex information into communications that are clear, engaging and meaningful.

What you'll bring

• A demonstrated respect for tikanga Māori, te reo Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Significant communications experience in a large, complex or politically sensitive environment.
• Strong relationship‑building and influencing skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and remain calm under pressure.
• Experience in emergency management communications, including within a Public Information Management (PIM) function, would be an advantage.

This is a permanent full‑time position (40 hours per week) based at the Civic Centre in the heart of Rotorua.

Why join us?

At Rotorua Lakes Council, our purpose is centred on our customers, our communities, and our people. We are committed to working in partnership with Te Arawa, our local iwi, and aspire to being a bicultural organisation that reflects the unique identity of our district.

You’ll be joining a supportive, high‑performing Communications and Engagement team that enjoys working together, sharing ideas and celebrating success. We support each other through challenges and take pride in helping our community stay informed and connected.

Rotorua is a fantastic place to live, work, and play. From world‑class mountain biking, walking and running trails in the Redwoods Forest, to our beautiful lakes and cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone. Our offices are located alongside the beautiful Government Gardens, providing the perfect spot for a lunchtime walk and a daily reminder of what makes Rotorua such a special place.

If you're looking for a role where you can make an impact, work with great people and help shape the conversations that matter to Rotorua, we'd love to hear from you.