Senior Communications Advisor

Hamilton City and Waikato District Councils have formed a publicly owned, Council-controlled Organisation (CCO) to deliver water services across Hamilton city and Waikato district. The company is called IAWAI - Flowing Waters and will take over the provision of water services from 1 July 2026. This transition will occur in stages such as the current Watercare contract for Waikato District Council transferring to the CCO on 1 July 2026.  

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Reporting to the Communications Manager, you’ll play a key role in creating clear, consistent, and engaging communications that support IAWAI and its infrastructure programme. This is a great opportunity to help people understand the important work we do to deliver safe and reliable drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across our communities.

You’ll translate complex technical and operational information into simple, accessible messaging, and develop communications plans, content, and advice that support organisational initiatives and major infrastructure projects. Working closely with senior leaders, technical specialists, and delivery teams, you’ll make sure our communications are accurate, aligned, and tailored to the needs of different audiences.

In this role, you’ll be a trusted advisor, helping teams navigate issues, respond to emerging matters, and maintain a strong and consistent voice for IAWAI. You’ll also work in partnership with Aronui Paaoho to ensure our communications reflect our brand and channels and collaborate with Aronui Maaori to ensure our messaging is culturally appropriate and informed by tikanga where needed.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience 

• Minimum of 7–10 years’ experience in communications, internal communications, or media/engagement roles, ideally within infrastructure, utilities, local government, or other complex service delivery environments
• Tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, journalism, media studies, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience developing and delivering communications content across multiple channels for diverse audiences
• Strong ability to translate complex technical, operational, or regulatory information into clear, accessible communications
• Experience providing communications advice and guidance to senior leaders and technical specialists
• Demonstrated experience working within large, complex organisations, ideally with exposure to infrastructure or public sector environments
• Strong written communication skills with experience producing high-quality content across internal and external channels
• Understanding of issues and reputational communications, including ability to support timely and accurate messaging in response to emerging issues
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs in a fast-paced environment
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across multiple teams and levels
• Experience working collaboratively with digital communications teams to support effective content delivery across channels
• Understanding of brand, tone of voice, and organisational messaging frameworks
• Collaborative approach with ability to work effectively across technical, operational, and communications functions

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa $105k dependent on skills and experience.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 20th April 2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Start date for this position will be on or after 1 July 2026.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking hereIt is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met