Democracy Advisor

Hutt City Council; Lower Hutt; On-site; NZD 1 - 2; Full time

Job summary

Hutt City Council seeks an experienced Democracy Advisor to join its Democratic Services team. You will provide expert governance advice to elected members and senior leaders, shaping the decisions that affect Lower Hutt.

You’ll prepare agendas and minutes, advise on Standing Orders, and support chairs as their primary governance contact. You’ll build trusted relationships across the Council, manage confidential information, and identify opportunities to improve democratic processes and service

Qualifications

• Experience supporting governance or political processes.
• Passion for public service and good decision‑making.
• Current New Zealand driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Preparing high-quality agendas, minutes, reports and meeting documentation.
• Providing expert advice on Standing Orders, meeting procedures and local government legislation.
• Supporting committee chairs as their key governance advisor and primary point of contact.
• Building strong relationships with elected members, senior leaders and Council staff.
• Managing confidential information with professionalism and integrity.
• Identifying risks and opportunities to improve democratic processes and service delivery.
• Contributing to continuous improvement across the Democratic Services team.

Skills

Governance advisory

Meeting documentation

Stakeholder management

Report writing

Local government knowledge

Relationship building

Confidential information handling

Time management

Education

Governance qualification

Business administration or related discipline

Tools

Resolve governance system

Job description

Interesting and varied work Help bring the community’s voice to the Council table Great wellbeing benefits

At Hutt City Council, we’re committed to creating a connected, resilient and inclusive city where everyone thrives. Behind every Council decision is a team dedicated to ensuring democratic processes are transparent, well-governed and effective—and that’s where you come in.

We’re looking for an experienced Democracy Advisor to join our Democratic Services team. This is a rewarding opportunity to work alongside elected members and senior leaders, providing expert governance advice and supporting the decision-making processes that shape the future of our city.

About the Role

As a Democracy Advisor, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality governance support to Council, committees and community boards. You’ll become a trusted advisor to elected members, ensuring meetings run smoothly and legislative requirements are met.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Preparing high-quality agendas, minutes, reports and meeting documentation.
• Providing expert advice on Standing Orders, meeting procedures and local government legislation.
• Supporting committee chairs as their key governance advisor and primary point of contact.
• Building strong relationships with elected members, senior leaders and Council staff.
• Managing confidential information with professionalism and integrity.
• Identifying risks and opportunities to improve democratic processes and service delivery.
• Contributing to continuous improvement across the Democratic Services team.

No two days are the same, making this an ideal role for someone who enjoys variety, problem-solving and working in a fast-paced environment.

About You

You’ll bring experience supporting governance or political processes and have a passion for public service and good decision‑making. We’re looking for someone who has:

• A relevant qualification in governance, business administration or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years’ experience in a governance or political advisory role.
• Strong knowledge of local government legislation and governance practices.
• Experience preparing agendas, minutes and formal meeting documentation.
• Excellent written communication and report‑writing skills.
• Exceptional organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Confidence building trusted relationships with elected members and senior stakeholders.
• A current New Zealand driver’s licence.
• Experience using Resolve or similar governance systems will be an advantage.

Job Description

Why Join Us At Hutt City Council, you’ll be part of an organisation that’s making a genuine difference to our community.

Why Join Us

We offer:

• Meaningful work that directly supports local democracy.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Opportunities to develop your governance expertise.
• Flexible working arrangements where appropriate.
• A workplace that values Manaakitanga (Show you care), Kotahitanga (Be Connected), and Rangatiratanga (Have Courage).
• Health, wellbeing and professional development opportunities.

If you’re passionate about governance, thrive in a fast‑paced environment and enjoy building strong relationships, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications close: 11:55pm, Sunday 11 October 2026

Please note we may review applications before the closing date and encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to withdraw the job advertisement at any time.

Kia noho mai tēnei tāone hei pou herenga waka, hei pou herenga kaupapa, hei wāhi whai hua ki hōna iwi.

At Hutt City Council our vision is to build a connected, resilient and inclusive city where all of our people thrive.

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.

Working here is truly rewarding, knowing across all our roles, we’re making a genuine difference to Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt.

We’re a team of leaders, planners, connectors and creators designing our future alongside our communities.

Tūhono mai. Come join us!