Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analyst; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

IAWAI - Flowing Waters, the Council-controlled organisation delivering water services across Hamilton city and Waikato district, is seeking an Environmental Policy Analyst. In this strategic role you’ll shape how our waters policies respond to legislation, policy and planning requirements.

You'll work with iwi partners, stakeholders and internal teams to develop practical solutions, drive improvement, and support long-term sustainability while guiding major resource consent activities.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in water, wastewater or stormwater policy analysis and development.
• Ability to identify, evaluate and analyse issues, and develop recommendations and responses.
• Advanced ability to write and present recommendations and reports.
• Demonstrated experience of project planning and management.
• An understanding of Maaori World view principles and environmental issues of concern to iwi.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Experience working in local government (preferred, but not essential)

Responsibilities

• Monitor and respond to emerging legislation, regulatory changes, and strategic issues that may impact the waters business.
• Identify opportunities to improve strategies, policies, bylaws, and business processes.
• Develop practical and effective responses to complex policy and planning challenges.
• Build strong relationships with iwi partners, stakeholders, and internal teams to support collaboration and informed decision-making.
• Ensure water-related strategies, policies, and processes align with organisational objectives and future priorities.
• Provide project management and engagement support for major resource consent applications.
• Offer planning advice to ensure waters activities meet regulatory and statutory requirements.
• Support the successful delivery of strategic projects that contribute to sustainable and resilient water services.

Skills

Policy analysis

Issue analysis

Report writing

Project planning

Māori worldview understanding

Stakeholder engagement

Local government experience

Education

Tertiary qualification in environmental policy/planning

Job description

Company Description

Hamilton City and Waikato District Councils have formed a publicly owned, Council-controlled Organisation (CCO) to deliver water services across Hamilton city and Waikato district. The company is called IAWAI - Flowing Waters and will take over the provision of water services from 1 July 2026. This transition will occur in stages such as the current Watercare contract for Waikato District Council transferring to the CCO on 1 July 2026.

Job Description

He angituutanga: The opportunity

Help shape the future of water in our communities.

In this strategic and influential role, you'll play a key part in guiding how our waters business responds to changing legislation, policy, and planning requirements. Working closely with iwi partners, stakeholders, and internal teams, you'll help develop practical solutions, drive continuous improvement, and ensure our strategies, policies, and processes support long-term success. You'll also provide project management and planning support for major resource consent activities, helping deliver positive outcomes for both our organisation and the communities we serve while protecting the environment.

Some key Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Monitor and respond to emerging legislation, regulatory changes, and strategic issues that may impact the waters business.
• Identify opportunities to improve strategies, policies, bylaws, and business processes.
• Develop practical and effective responses to complex policy and planning challenges.
• Build strong relationships with iwi partners, stakeholders, and internal teams to support collaboration and informed decision-making.
• Ensure water-related strategies, policies, and processes align with organisational objectives and future priorities.
• Provide project management and engagement support for major resource consent applications.
• Offer planning advice to ensure waters activities meet regulatory and statutory requirements.
• Support the successful delivery of strategic projects that contribute to sustainable and resilient water services.

Qualifications

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• 3+ years’ experience in water, wastewater or stormwater policy analysis and development.
• Ability to identify, evaluate and analyse issues, and develop recommendations and responses.
• Advanced ability to write and present recommendations and reports.
• Demonstrated experience of project planning and management.
• An understanding of Maaori World view principles and environmental issues of concern to iwi.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders (internal and external).
• Relevant tertiary qualification that includes study of environmental or policy analysis and planning.
• Experience working in local government (preferred, but not essential)

Additional Information

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary?

Circa$90k - $105k dependent on skills and experience.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 22nd October 2026

Note: We will be shortlistingas we receive applications.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants. It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met