Lease and Open Space Advisor
Rotorua District, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand · Full Time
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- Experience
- Any
- Salary
- —
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 7 hours ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Education
- Relevant qualification in policy, planning, recreation, property, legal studies, or similar
- Eligibility
- Applicants who hold a relevant tertiary qualification and have experience or interest in policy, planning, property, recreation, legal, or regulatory work are encouraged to apply. Candidates who can work respectfully in Māori settings and contribute to a bicultural organisation will be especially w…
- Resume
- Required to apply
Job description
About the role
Rotorua Lakes Council is inviting applications for a Lease and Open Space Advisor to help shape the way Rotorua’s parks and open spaces are managed, leased, protected, and experienced by the community. This role sits within a community-focused organisation of more than 400 staff and supports work that has a direct impact on local place-making and public spaces.
In this position, you will provide specialist advice on leasing arrangements, open space management, and the policy settings that guide decision-making across Council. The work involves leading policy development, ensuring legal and statutory requirements are met, and helping create consistent, well-informed outcomes for open space use.
You will collaborate with lessees, community groups, mana whenua, and internal teams to improve how open spaces are administered and to make sure policies remain practical, current, and aligned with Council priorities. The role also includes contributing to Reserve Management Plan reviews, tracking changes in legislation, and preparing clear analysis and advice on open space matters.
What you will do
- Provide specialist guidance on lease management and open space policy.
- Lead or support the development of policies and related frameworks.
- Make sure lease activity and open space decisions meet statutory requirements.
- Work with lessees, community organisations, mana whenua, and Council teams.
- Support consistent decision-making across open space-related matters.
- Contribute to reviews of Reserve Management Plans.
- Monitor legislative updates and assess their impact on Council activities.
- Prepare high-quality analysis and advice for open space issues.
What we are looking for
- A qualification in policy, planning, recreation, property, legal studies, or a related discipline.
- Strong analytical ability and confident communication skills.
- Experience working within policy or regulatory environments.
- Local government experience is preferred.
- Good relationship-building skills across a broad range of stakeholders.
- Comfort working in Māori settings, with knowledge of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori considered an advantage.
About Rotorua Lakes Council
Rotorua Lakes Council is committed to bicultural partnership and works alongside Te Arawa, the local iwi. The organisation values staff who can contribute to this commitment, including those with te reo Māori capability, understanding of Māori values, and practical knowledge of tikanga Māori.
Location
This is an onsite role based in Rotorua District, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.
Application information
Applications for this position close on Thursday, 9 July 2026 at 9:59 pm.
A position description is available for this role.
Who this role suits
This opportunity is well suited to someone who is motivated by purposeful policy work and wants to help influence the future use and stewardship of Rotorua’s open spaces.