Senior Economic Development Advisor | Kaitohutohu Whanaketanga Ōhanga

Porirua City is a happening place. Porirua is a diverse, well-connected city and has a lot to offer, with awesome cultural and recreational opportunities. The future is bright – we need skilled people like you to join our team and help shape our growing and developing city.

About the role

Porirua is ambitious, fast-growing and full of potential. You’ll help advance Council’s economic, social and environmental priorities by leading projects and programmes that attract investment, support business growth, strengthen Porirua’s visitor appeal and open workforce pathways for rangatahi not currently in employment, education or training.

You’ll play a key role in shaping and delivering Porirua’s economic development agenda, including:

• building strong partnerships with iwi, businesses, investors, government agencies, community groups and other key stakeholders
• delivering initiatives that position Porirua as a compelling visitor destination
• managing projects, events, campaigns and budgets to deliver high-impact outcomes
• supporting local business engagement through networks, events, newsletters and enquiry management
• providing expert advice on economic development opportunities and challenges in Porirua
• developing and contributing to strategies, plans and programmes that support business growth, employment and investment
• identifying and progressing opportunities for workforce development, community wealth building and social enterprise

Please note this is a fixed term role, covering parental leave, until August 2027.

What we’re looking for

This is a role for someone who can see the big picture and make things happen on the ground. We’re looking for someone who can turn strategy into action, build strong partnerships and deliver initiatives that grow our economy, support local business and create meaningful opportunities for our city.

You’ll show us that you have:

• a passion for making Porirua a great place to live, work and play
• experience in a similar economic development role in local government, central government or the private sector
• strong project management capability, from planning through to delivery
• excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including business case writing and presentations
• proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced role and take the initiative to get things done
• political awareness, sound judgement and high professional integrity
• experience working across diverse communities
• a commitment to customer service, collaboration, health and safety, and inclusive workplaces
• a current unrestricted NZ driver’s licence

What you need to do now

If you’re passionate about economic development and Porirua and want to be part of a team making a real difference, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Pete Barton, Manager Community Partnerships and Economic Development on 022 067 0357 for more information. 

Porirua City Council is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion.  We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access requirements during our recruitment process, please let us know when you apply, and we’ll do our best to get you sorted.

You will need to apply via our careers centre: www.poriruacity.govt.nz/careers.

To find out more about working for Porirua City Watch this video

Applications close on Thursday 17 September 2026.

Position description Apply now

Share