HR Advisor: Multi-Council Transition (Fixed-Term)

Central Otago District Council; Alexandra; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

Central Otago District Council seeks an HR Advisor to support Southern Waters’ establishment by shaping HR policies, leading recruitment, and advising on employment matters. The role requires collaboration across councils to ensure compliant change management and effective workforce planning.

You will work alongside the People Workstream Lead in a fixed-term capacity until 31 July 2027, helping to transition to a unified water services entity with a strong emphasis on fair process and timely

Qualifications

• Experience in a generalist HR or HR Advisor role.
• Experience with consultation, restructuring or organisational change.
• Track record in end-to-end recruitment.
• Strong knowledge of the Employment Relations Act 2000, the Holidays Act 2003 and good faith obligations.
• Ability to build trust with people at every level.
• Calm, organised approach to juggling priorities in a fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and review HR policies that work across a multi-council organisation and meet New Zealand employment law
• Lead recruitment from start to finish - scoping roles, writing position descriptions, advertising, running interview panels, preparing offers and onboarding new people
• Support workforce planning and retention including reviewing employment agreements, consultation documents and letter templates so they're accurate and procedurally sound
• Support the formal consultation process and give advice on individual employment matters
• Build strong relationships with council HR leads, union delegates and other stakeholders
• Help keep HR communication clear and consistent throughout the transition

Skills

Generalist HR experience

Consultation & restructuring

End-to-end recruitment

Employment relations familiarity

Stakeholder engagement

Organised & multi-priority

Education

HR / Employment relations / Business qualification or equivalent

Job description

Central Otago District Council seeks an HR Advisor to support Southern Waters’ establishment by shaping HR policies, leading recruitment, and advising on employment matters. The role requires collaboration across councils to ensure compliant change management and effective workforce planning.

You will work alongside the People Workstream Lead in a fixed-term capacity until 31 July 2027, helping to transition to a unified water services entity with a strong emphasis on fair process and timely