Governance Support Officer & Group Manager Personal Assistant 

Governance Support Officer & Group Manager Personal Assistant 
Buller District Council | Westport, New Zealand 
Permanent full-time | 35-40 Hours per week 

Join the Buller District Council Team! | Hono atu ki te roopu Kaunihera a rohe o Buller! 
Buller District Council is seeking a highly organised and proactive Governance Support Officer & Group Manager Personal Assistant to join our Community Services team. 

In this varied and trusted role, you will provide high-quality administrative and personal assistant support to the Group Manager Community Services, as well as professional governance support to the Governance Advisor. You will play a key role in ensuring Council, Committee, and Community Board meetings are delivered in accordance with legislative and statutory requirements, while providing exceptional service to internal and external stakeholders. 

This position requires excellent organisational skills, sound judgement, discretion, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced local government environment. 

Who are we? | Ko wai tatou? 
At Buller District Council, we are a dedicated, customer-focused team committed to maintaining the beauty of our region—from Karamea to Punakaiki and inland to the environs of Reefton. This is your unique opportunity to step into the wilderness and make a tangible difference in the Buller District. If you possess the expertise and a proactive attitude to deliver exceptional service to our community, we’d love to hear from you!  
 
Why Join Us? | He aha te hono mai ki a mātau? 

Thrive in a values-driven workplace that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and professional development through various learning opportunities, benefits, and recognition. 

Shape the future of Buller – Be a part of strategic growth and sustainable development 

Work in a scenic district with a great lifestyle balance. 

Be part of a collaborative and supportive team with a high focus on wellbeing 

What Will You Do? | Ka aha koe? 
Key responsibilities will include: 

Personal Assistant – Group Manager Community Services 

Proactively manage the Group Manager’s inbox, calendar, appointments, correspondence and travel. 

Schedule and coordinate meetings, including preparing and formatting meeting papers. 

Maintain accurate records, statutory documentation and expense management. 

Community Services Administration Support 

Provide high-quality administrative support to the Community Services team. 

Coordinate meetings in compliance with the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987. 

Manage LGOIMA requests and ensure accurate record keeping. 

Minute meetings and track actions, attendees and apologies. 

Generate Electronic Purchase Orders and perform complex receipting within the finance system. 

Governance Support 

Support the Governance Advisor in coordinating Council, Committee, Community Board and Subcommittee meetings. 

Provide high-quality secretarial support, including accurate minute-taking and timely distribution. 

Ensure agendas, reports and meeting documents are prepared and published within statutory timeframes. 

Build knowledge of legislative frameworks and governance processes, including:  

Local Government Act 2002 

Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 

Local Electoral Act 2001 

Provide administrative support for local body elections when required. 

Providing cover for the Governance Advisor during periods of leave 

Who Are You? | Ko wai koe? 
We are looking for someone with: 

Essential: 

Strong understanding of Local Government operations. 

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

High level of computer literacy and administrative capability. 

Proven ability to prioritise tasks and manage competing deadlines. 

Strong problem-solving and organisational skills. 

Professional, discreet and trustworthy with high ethical standards. 

Energetic, self-motivated and able to work well under pressure. 

Desirable 

Previous experience in a governance-related role. 

Understanding of the political and sensitive nature of Local Government. 

Experience working in a professional office or council environment. 

 
Our Mission | To tatou misioni 
To serve the residents of the Buller district, conscious of their needs, by providing facilities and services and creating an appropriate environment for progress and development while preserving the distinctive natural environment, as well as the cultural and historical environments. 

If you're ready to make a significant impact and work in a supportive, forward-thinking environment, we’d love to hear from you! 

To view the full position description: https://tinyurl.com/2p9mvpdm

All applications are required to be accompanied by a cover letter and a copy of your current Curriculum Vitae. 

Any enquiries about this role please email: [email protected] 

Applications close: 3PM Friday 20th of February 2026