Senior Governance Advisor | Kaitohutohu Mana Whakahaere Matua


Porirua is a growing and vibrant city where there’s always something happening. We want everyone to feel welcome – whether they’re visiting, living or working here. Our people are friendly, diverse and inclusive, and make Porirua City a great place to live, work and raise a family. We’re looking for people to join our team.

All about the role

This exciting and important role provides support for Councils’ democratic and governance processes.

Working closely with our Executive Leadership Team and elected members, you’ll provide expert advice, support and guidance to our elected members, council staff and community members.

This is an exciting time to join the team, with local government changing the way we do things, there’s a lot of decisions that need to be made to set our city up for the future.

We’re a small, agile team, and we’re always looking for ways to improve how we do our mahi.

You will be responsible for: 

  • Providing expert governance support, advice and associated services to elected members, Council and its committees, the Executive Leadership Team, Council staff and the public.
  • Assisting with the running of the Council’s elections.
  • Provide training to Council staff to ensure governance best practice is followed.

About you

It would be great if you have a relevant tertiary qualification in political science or law, and a passion for Porirua City. This is the role that will enable you to make a real contribution to the community.

You’ll need to show us that you have:

  • Excellent knowledge and understanding of the local government legislative environment, processes and regulations.
  • A high degree of political nous and the ability to work with, advise and influence a wide range of people.
  • Experience in a similar governance advisor role.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and an ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
  • Ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders, internal and out in our community.

As the team also processes alcohol licence applications, it would be great if you have knowledge of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, but this is not essential.

What you need to do now

Come and join our Democratic Services team and be part of our fast paced and engaging environment. Please contact Jack Marshall on 021 596 431, or jack.marshall@poriruacity.govt.nz 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 need to be received by Thursday 1 October 2026.  

We will be working through applications as they are submitted and may progress candidates prior to the closing date, so apply now!

Apply now

Permanent Full Time

Job no: 2026-5852

Location: Porirua

Closing Date: Thursday, 1 October 2026