Senior Advisor Communications and Engagement

\n Lead communication and engagement activities for significant transport projects across Waikato and Bay of Plenty\n

Build trusted relationships with communities, stakeholders and project teams

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Play a key role in delivering high-profile infrastructure, maintenance and safety programmes

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Hamilton or Tauranga based

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity\n

This is an exciting opportunity to join NZTA Waka Kotahi's Engagement and Regional Delivery team and contribute to some of the most significant transport investments across Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

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As a Senior Advisor, you'll work alongside project teams, technical specialists and regional leaders to help communities understand, shape and benefit from projects that improve how people move around Aotearoa. You'll provide trusted communications and engagement advice, helping project teams navigate complex issues, build understanding with stakeholders, and deliver meaningful outcomes for customers and communities.

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This is a role for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, thrives on variety, and can confidently translate complex information into clear, compelling stories that connect people to purpose. You'll help ensure communication and engagement are embedded in project delivery from the outset, supporting stronger relationships, better decisions, and successful outcomes.

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We're looking for someone who is curious, collaborative and willing to roll up his sleeves to support both project outcomes and the success of the wider team.

In this role you'll:\n

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• Provide strategic communications and engagement advice across a portfolio of projects and programmes.
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• Lead the development and delivery of communication and engagement plans that support project success.
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• Build strong relationships with communities, stakeholders, iwi, local authorities, partners and project teams.
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• Identify risks, issues and opportunities early, providing practical advice and solutions in complex environments.
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• Develop compelling narratives that help people understand not just what we're delivering, but why it matters.
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• Translate technical and project information into clear, meaningful communications for a wide range of audiences.
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• Support customer journey communications and help coordinate responses to emerging issues and sensitive matters.
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• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team culture through knowledge sharing and peer support.
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• Champion best-practice communications and engagement approaches that align with organisational priorities and community expectations.
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You will find a copy of the Position Description here.

Ko koe tēnei | About you\n

You're an experienced communications and engagement professional who combines strong delivery skills with sound judgement and a genuine passion for connecting people with projects and outcomes.

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You enjoy building relationships, solving problems, and finding the right way to engage with different audiences.

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You're comfortable working in complex environments and can confidently balance competing priorities while delivering high-quality advice.

You will likely bring:\n

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• Demonstrated experience in communications and engagement, ideally within infrastructure, transport, local government, utilities or related sectors.
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• Experience supporting complex projects or programmes with communication and engagement advice and delivery.
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• Strong writing, storytelling and content development skills.
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• Proven ability to build credibility and influence with a wide range of stakeholders.
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• Sound understanding of communication and engagement planning, tools, channels and methodologies.
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• Experience working through ambiguity and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
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• A collaborative approach and a commitment to supporting team success.
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• A relevant tertiary qualification and/or equivalent industry experience.
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• A commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
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Qualifications\n

A tertiary qualification in communications or a related discipline

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Training or qualification in IAP2 is desirable but not essential

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You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori.

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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\n

At NZTA, it all starts with our people.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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We do this by telling great stories about the work NZTA does.

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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.

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

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Applications close: 19 August 2026

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For further information, email: [email protected]

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

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Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

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We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values.

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Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

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Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications.

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We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.

Ko wai mātou | About us\n

At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, it all starts with our people.

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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 Aotearoa.

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Waka Kotahi 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.

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