Strategic Water Policy & Planning 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

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.