Job Description

• Are you a skilled communicator with a passion for delivering targeted and effective communication strategies, plans and tactics to deadline?
• Play a critical role in engaging partners and stakeholders about our work on the East Coast and the wider Central North Island
• Permanent opportunity based in Gisborne / Tairāwhiti region

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity with a variety of work within our Central North Island team. You’ll play a key role in communicating and engaging with partners and stakeholders about our work to achieve an effective land transport system that gets people where they need to go.

You'll offer advice and provide communications and engagement planning to ensure NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is well supported to achieve its goals. You will help connect people with NZTA and champion our reputation through best practice engagement and communications delivery. The work will be varied, hands-on and fast paced.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

We are looking for great storytellers with a strong understanding of communications channels and engagement experience.

You will be quick to identify risks, have the ability to produce high quality targeted collateral, develop plans to make the most of opportunities and deliver best practice communications and engagement activities.

Experience working on and prioritising multiple pieces of work and projects, while working to deadline, is a must. You will be innovative and creative, a self-starter and be flexible.

You will find a copy of the Position Description here

You will also have:

• Previous experience in communications and engagement planning and delivery at senior advisor or advisor level
• Experience in or exposure to an account/relationship management environment
• Excellent writing and editing skills and experience presenting complex information clearly and simply
• Sound knowledge of communications and engagement tools, techniques and channels
• Other specialist skills i.e. marketing, public relations, change communications
• Proven ability to build relationships with people at all levels
• Previous exposure to successfully working in a collaborative environment
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning in the field of communications and engagement

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in communications or a related discipline
• Training or qualification in engagement (such as Engagement Institute courses (formerly IAP2)) is desirable but not essential.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.

Ko wai mātou | About us

At NZTA, it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for New Zealand. NZTA has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years time.

Te Waka Kōtuia our Engagement and Partnerships group supports the success of NZTA by strengthening relationships with our central and local government partners, communities and industry. We do this by telling great stories about the work NZTA does. Our diverse work spans a range of partners and stakeholders - we support Ministers, coordinate collaboration across central government, lead relationships with our local government partners, and engage directly with the New Zealand public.

Along with our other benefits we also have NZTA, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance scheme available for permanent employees.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:

Please click ‘Apply for this Job’ to upload your CV and cover letter.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

27 May 2026

For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.