About the opportunity
Southern Waters is a new water services entity being established by Central Otago, Clutha, Gore and Waitaki District Councils to deliver safe, reliable and financially sustainable water services for our communities. It will be the largest joint Council water services entity in the South Island, delivering water, wastewater, and stormwater services to approximately 84,100 people across an area of 24,702 km².
We’re building something that matters. Wai is a taonga, and our job is to look after it for our communities now and for generations to come. With a $750 million capital works programme to 2034 and more than 5,000km of pipeline in our care, we need great people to get us there. We’re bringing staff, systems and services together from four councils into one organisation. That’s a big task, and our people are at the heart of it.
Why join us
This is a rare chance to help set up a new organisation and shape how it treats its people. Your work will have lasting impact – on our team, on the communities we serve, and on how water services are delivered across the lower South Island.
About the role
As HR Advisor, you’ll work alongside the People Workstream Lead to shape and deliver the HR framework, policies and processes Southern Waters needs from day one. You’ll combine hands-on HR work with trusted advice, helping the transition run fairly, consistently and at pace. This is a fixed term role to support the establishment project ending 31 July 2027.
What you’ll do
- Develop and review HR policies that work across a multi-council organisation and meet New Zealand employment law
- Lead recruitment from start to finish – scoping roles, writing position descriptions, advertising, running interview panels, preparing offers and onboarding new people
- Support workforce planning and retention including reviewing employment agreements, consultation documents and letter templates so they’re accurate and procedurally sound
- Support the formal consultation process and give advice on individual employment matters
- Build strong relationships with council HR leads, union delegates and other stakeholders
- Help keep HR communication clear and consistent throughout the transition
Southern Waters Job Description
What you’ll bring
- A qualification in HR, employment relations or business – or equivalent practical experience
- Experience in a generalist HR or HR Advisor role
- Experience with consultation, restructuring or organisational change
- A track record in end-to-end recruitment
- Sound knowledge of the Employment Relations Act 2000, the Holidays Act 2003 and good faith obligations
- The ability to build trust with people at every level
- A calm, organised approach to juggling priorities in a fast-moving environment
To apply please click apply now. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.
Applications close: 8/11/2026
If you have any questions about this role please contact Lucy Smyth lucy.smyth@southernwaters.govt.nz
