Join Waikato District Council - watch now.

Waikato District Council

About Waikato District Council

We are on a journey to meet the future – and we want you to come along and set the tone for how that will be delivered to our growing population.

We are a dynamic, diverse, and innovative Council that is gearing up to take the next step to truly delivering an outstanding customer experience that benchmarks the standard for local government in New Zealand. Ambitious, yes, but we need help. We need customer-focused, commercially minded leaders with a strong social gene. Leaders with a penchant for transformation, transparency, and ownership to create the roadmap for greater customer engagement. We have a mandate for change – our customer want it; our Elected Members demand it.

We are different. We are one of the highest growth districts in New Zealand between Auckland to the north, Hamilton to the south and Tauranga to the East. We are at the heart of the golden triangle with untold and untapped opportunities for a strategic, futuristic leader to make their mark.

Based in Ngaaruawaahia, we are centrally located in the heart of the Kiingitanga, treasure our partnership with Waikato-Tainui and value our connection to the Waikato and Waipaa rivers. If you want to make your mark, leave a legacy for generations to come and live in a picturesque district flanked by miles of pristine beaches, bush, and farmland – this is the place for you.

View open roles

Why Waikato District Council?

Waikato District Council is a values-driven organisation focused on making a real difference for its communities. We offer diverse and meaningful work, from shaping future neighbourhoods to delivering everyday services that build thriving and connected communities.

The Council supports its kaimahi with flexible work options, wellbeing initiatives and an inclusive culture where people are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work and grow personally and professionally.

Proud of its commitment to cultural awareness and engagement with tangata whenua, the Council supports staff to build confidence in te ao Maaori and understand the whakapapa, aspirations and expectations of the communities they serve.

For those seeking purposeful work in a growing and dynamic district, Waikato District Council offers the opportunity to contribute with integrity, teamwork and service.

The Waikato district and our Tangata Whenua

The district covers more than 400,000 hectares and includes a mix of rural, urban and coastal communities, each with its own identity and strengths.

Key towns and settlements include Ngaaruawaahia, Huntly, Raglan, Tuakau, Pookeno, Te Kauwhata and Taupiri. From the internationally recognised surf breaks of Raglan to the agricultural productivity of Tuakau and the cultural heart of Ngaaruawaahia, the district offers a wide variety of experiences and lifestyles.

The district sits within the rohe of Waikato iwi and is in the heard of the Kiingitanga. This connection is central to how the Council operates. Waikato District Council is committed to working in partnership with mana whenua, honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and engaging meaningfully with iwi, hapuu, marae and Maaori communities.

Learn more

View open roles

Our Mission and Values

He noohanga aahuru, he iwi whai ora, he hapori tuuhono tahi | Our vision is to build liveable, thriving, connected communities.

To achieve this vision, and ensure we're all travelling on the same waka, we adhere to four internal values: Represent the district, geared for growth, here to serve and team up.

These values are underpinned by the term ‘Do it Right’ and our goal is to help you see yourself in the middle of our values, because you are the missing ‘I’.

Liveable

Are well planned and people-friendly, providing for a range of quality residential options, social infrastructure, walkways and open spaces. They reflect what’s important to people and support a shared sense of belonging both to the local community and the wider district.

Thriving

Participate in Council decision-making and community-led projects, provide input into the management of their local assets, and sustain the local business sector that provides local employment.

Connected communities

Have fit for-purpose infrastructure to create liveable, thriving communities. Connectivity through roads, cycleways, walkways and digital capabilities enable rapid information sharing and engaging in activities together. By these means, people in connected communities access services and amenities that meet their social, health, education and employment needs.

Latest jobs with the Waikato District Council

Building Quality Manager

Waikato District Council is seeking an exceptional Building Quality Manager to lead their building consent authority operations during a period of significant transformation. This is a genuine opportunity to build your own team and shape the strategic direction of building quality services across the district.

View job