Organisational Culture Partner

Rotorua Lakes Council; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 75,000; Part time

Job summary

Rotorua Lakes Council is seeking a Fixed-term Organisational Culture Partner (20 hours per week) for 18 months to lead the ongoing evolution and implementation of Tai Kawenga. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will partner with the People & Culture team to deliver organisation-wide culture initiatives.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about culture, engagement and organisational change, with experience in organisational development, change management, communications or human

Qualifications

• Experience in organisational development, culture, change management, communications, human resources or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead the ongoing evolution and implementation of Tai Kawenga across the organisation.
• Coordinate culture programmes, drive engagement activities and support adoption of new ways of working.
• Partner with the People & Culture team to deliver organisation-wide culture initiatives.
• Provide guidance on culture, engagement and change management to leaders and staff.

Skills

Organisational development

Culture change management

Communications

Stakeholder engagement

Human resources

Job description

Your adventure begins here in Rotorua!

Imagine waking up to the serene beauty that is Rotorua - with lakes at your doorstep and embracing the thrill of mountain biking in the metropolis of trails. Join Te Kaunihera o ngā roto o Rotorua - Rotorua Lakes Council and be part of a team that brings exceptional projects to life, such as the iconic Sir Howard Morrison Centre, the current revitalisation of the Rotorua Aquatic Centre, and the stunning Rotorua Lakefront Redevelopment.

As a council deeply rooted in biculturalism and a strong connection with Te Arawa, our local iwi, this is your opportunity to work at the forefront of culture, people, and connections.

Kauria ngā wai o ngā roto, kauria ngā wai o ngā kaupapa nui! Swim the tranquil waters of our lakes, bathe in the opportunities working at Council provides.

At Rotorua Lakes Council, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Guided by Tai Kawenga, our cultural framework that shapes how we work, lead and serve our community, we are committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive, grow and contribute to meaningful outcomes for Rotorua.

We are seeking a Fixed-term Organisational Culture Partner (20 hours per week) for an 18-month fixed-term period to lead the ongoing evolution and implementation of Tai Kawenga while partnering closely with the People & Culture team to deliver organisation-wide culture initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about culture, engagement and organisational change and who enjoys influencing positive outcomes across a diverse organisation.

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will play a pivotal role in embedding Tai Kawenga into everyday practices, behaviours and decision-making across Council. Working collaboratively with leaders and employees across the organisation, you will co-ordinate culture initiatives, build organisational change capability, drive engagement activities and support the successful adoption of new ways of working. You will provide guidance and advice on culture, engagement and change management while ensuring key programmes remain aligned with Council's strategic priorities and people practices.

Success in this role will come from your ability to build trusted relationships, influence stakeholders, maintain momentum across multiple initiatives and bring people together around a common vision. You will be comfortable working in a dynamic environment, co-ordinating programmes of work, monitoring progress and providing meaningful insights that support organisational success.

To be successful, you will bring experience in organisational development, culture, change management, communications, human resources, or a related field. You will have a strong understanding of organisational change and stakeholder engagement, along with excellent communication, facilitation and relationship-building skills. Experience working within complex organisations, an understanding of Te Ao Māori, and a genuine commitment to creating positive organisational outcomes will be highly regarded.

In return, you'll join a passionate and supportive team, work alongside committed leaders, and have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the culture and employee experience at Rotorua Lakes Council. This 20-hour-per-week, fixed‑term role for 18 months offers a unique chance to contribute to meaningful organisational change while helping to strengthen a culture that reflects who we are and how we work together.

If you're ready to help shape the future of our organisation and bring our culture to life, we'd love to hear from you.

Te Kaunihera o nga Roto o Rotorua (Rotorua Lakes Council) is committed to working in partnership with Te Arawa, our local iwi. We aspire to being a bicultural organisation and we value staff who speak te reo Maori, have an appreciation of Maori values, and a working knowledge of tikanga Maori.