People Business Partner - Regional - Fixed Term - Christchurch

New Zealand Government; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is seeking a Senior People Advisor to deliver generalist HR guidance and strategic support within the Te Ihu and Te Kei region. You will align People strategy with business goals, advise on transformational change, build strong relationships with managers and collaborate with the Workplace Relations Directorate on union matters.

We value adaptability, resilience and the ability to prioritise under tight timelines, with travel across the region as needed.

Qualifications

• Senior-level HR advice and guidance
• Detailed knowledge of NZ employment law
• Strong relationship and stakeholder management
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Current driver’s licence

Responsibilities

• Support a regional portfolio in Te Ihu and Te Kei with strategic HR guidance.
• Align the organisational People strategy with business strategy and advise on transformational change.
• Engage with managers across the region to implement strategic processes.
• Collaborate with the Workplace Relations Directorate on union relationships.
• Occasional travel across the region may be required.

Skills

Relationship management

Generalist HR

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Prioritisation

Employment law knowledge

Education

Tertiary qualification in HR or related field

Job description

Be part of an organisation dedicated to helping our communitiesInfluence, innovate and challenge the status quoSalary range $140,159-$155,732 (pro-rata), dependent on skills and experienceBring your sound relationship management and generalist HR experience to a position where you will also work in the strategic space.Mo tenei turanga - about the roleThis role sits within the People Advisory Directorate and reports directly to the National Manager, People Advisory and has three Senior People Advisor's as direct reports.You will be supporting a portfolio in the Te Ihu and Te Kei region. The Business Partner supports the alignment of the organisational People strategy with the overarching business strategy, guiding and advising on strategic management, providing targeted advice, expertise and guidance whilst engaging with managers across the region to provide support implementing strategic processes and transformational change. You will also work closely with the Workplace Relations Directorate on our union relationships.There may be a requirement for travel across the region from time to time.This is a fixed term position or secondment opportunity from ASAP - 30 June 2027.Ko tau na i tenei turanga - What you'll bring to the role:You'll be a seasoned People practitioner who clearly demonstrates leadership behaviours that cultivate a supportive work environment. Fostering a collaborative environment, you will encourage quality, innovation, ongoing learning, and knowledge sharing. This dynamic and fast paced role requires flexibility, resilience, and excellent prioritisation skills.To be successful in this role, we'd expect you will:Strong experience in delivering generalist HR advice at a senior levelDetailed knowledge of current NZ employment lawProven ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholdersStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven ability to develop solutionsDemonstrated ability to work under tight timeframes and manage competing prioritiesA relevant tertiary qualification and/or sound understanding and knowledge of current HR good practice and approachesBe able to drive and hold a current driver's licenceThe salary range for this role is $140,159-$155,732 (pro-rata), dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role.Ko wai matou - who are we?Fire and Emergency New Zealand is a Crown Entity responsible for reducing unwanted fires, responding to structural and vegetation fires and other emergencies including motor vehicle crashes, medical emergencies, hazardous substance related incidents, natural disasters, and supporting increased community resilience.Our vision is to build stronger communities and protect what matters most to the people within them. We are proud to be recognised as New Zealand's most trusted public sector agency. Our values reflect what our people believe is core to who we are and the organisation we aspire to be.We Do the Right Thing - Kia TikaWe Serve and Support - ManaakitangaWe Are Better Together - WhanaungatangaWe Strive to Improve - AuahatangaKo te tono mai - How to apply:Come join us - we are excited about the future of Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and we'd love you to be part of it! We value diversity as a strength and welcome applicants that can help bring a difference to our organisation.If this sounds like you, apply now. To download a copy of our position description please visit our vacancy page on our FireJobs website.If you have any specific questions about this role, please email: [e-mail]. Please note, applications sent via email will not be accepted.We will be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.AI can be a helpful tool when preparing your application, but what matters most to us is you. Please ensure your CV, cover letter, and responses reflect your own skills, experiences, and perspective. We want to hear your real story - your passion, your personality, and what makes you unique. Don't let AI do all the talking - let it support you, not replace you.Applications close Sunday 15 November 2026.Please note: Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory for this role.