Strategic Policy Advisor

Rotorua Lakes Council; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Rotorua Lakes Council is seeking an experienced Policy Advisor to join our Governance, Strategy and Compliance team in Rotorua. Reporting to the Corporate Strategy and Compliance Lead, you will conduct research, policy analysis and legislative monitoring to provide evidence-based advice on issues affecting the district.

You will help develop and review Council policies and bylaws, prepare reports and recommendations, and work with elected members, iwi, stakeholders and other teams.

Qualifications

• Experience in policy development and bylaw creation.
• Strong analytical and written communication skills.
• Experience in local government or regulatory environments is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Undertake research, policy analysis and legislative monitoring to inform decisions.
• Prepare high-quality reports and recommendations for elected members and staff.
• Collaborate with iwi, stakeholders and Council teams to translate complex information into practical policy.

Skills

Policy analysis

Research

Legislative monitoring

Written communication

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Posted Monday, 3 August 2026 at 10:00 am | Expires Tuesday, 1 September 2026 at 9:59 am

Shape tomorrow in Rotorua: Your career starts here!

Ready to make a lasting impact? Te Kaunihera o ngā Roto o Rotorua | Rotorua Lakes Council is your platform for meaningful change. With a team of over 400 staff, we're committed to forging a better tomorrow for the Rotorua community. In the heart of this thriving city, you'll find yourself immersed in natural wonders like geothermal pools and ngāwha | geysers, while enjoying the exhilarating mountain biking scene. Join a council that thrives on collaboration with Te Arawa, our local iwi, and embraces biculturalism at its core. From the Rotorua Lakefront Redevelopment to hosting the world-renowned Crankworx festival, you'll play a vital role in shaping our city's future. Start your journey with us today!

Kei ā koe te toki, kei ā koe te kuru, whaoa te anamata! You have the chisel, you have the mallet! Join us and carve the future today!

Rotorua Lakes Council is seeking an experienced Policy Advisor to join our Governance, Strategy and Compliance team. Reporting to the Corporate Strategy and Compliance Lead, you will undertake research, policy analysis, and legislative monitoring to provide evidence-based advice on issues impacting our district and community.

This role plays a key part in the development and review of Council policies and bylaws, ensuring they are informed by sound analysis, legislative requirements, and community needs. You will prepare high-quality reports and recommendations, contribute to long-term policy planning, and work closely with elected members, iwi, stakeholders, and Council teams. We are looking for someone with experience in policy and bylaw development, strong analytical and written communication skills, and the ability to translate complex information into practical advice. Experience working within local government, regulatory environments, or alongside elected members will be highly regarded.

At Rotorua Lakes Council, our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Guided by our values of Stronger Together, Lead with Integrity, Challenge and Innovate, and Steward our Future, you'll play a key role in shaping policy that helps build a thriving future for Rotorua.

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.