Democracy Advisor

Hutt City Council; Wellington; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful work

Collaborative team environment

Governance development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Manaakitanga, Kotahitanga, Rangatiratā

Health & wellbeing opportunities

Job summary

Hutt City Council in Wellington seeks an experienced Democracy Advisor to deliver high-quality governance support to Council, committees and community boards. You will be a trusted advisor to elected members, ensuring meetings run smoothly and legislative requirements are met.

The role offers meaningful work supporting local democracy, opportunities to develop governance expertise, and a collaborative team in a fast-paced environment with flexible arrangements where appropriate.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting governance or political processes.
• Strong written communication and report-writing skills.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with elected members and senior stakeholders.

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 expertise

Policy advisory

Stakeholder relationships

Communication skills

Organisation skills

Public service mindset

Education

Governance qualification

Business administration qualification

Tools

Resolve

Job description

• Help bring the community's voice to the Council table

• 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

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.

About Us

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.

Why Work Here?

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!

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