People & Culture Officer

People & Culture Officer
Buller District Council | Westport, New Zealand
Permanent | Full-time | 35 Hours per week

Join the Buller District Council Team! | Hono atu ki te roopu Kaunihera a rohe o Buller!
Are you passionate about supporting great employee experiences, strengthening workplace culture, and helping an organisation thrive? Buller District Council is seeking a proactive and people-focused People & Culture Officer to join our team.

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 – lead 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:

• Provide end-to-end HR support across the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, employment changes, and offboarding.
• Maintain accurate HR records and ensure HRIS data integrity, including preparing employment documentation and generating timely HR reports.
• Assist in maintaining and updating HR policies, procedures, and employment-related documentation to ensure compliance and accessibility.
• Coordinate training, development, and capability-building activities for staff.
• Act as a first point of contact for general HR queries, providing accurate advice or escalating where appropriate.
• Support employee engagement initiatives such as surveys, wellbeing programmes, recognition activities, and internal cultural events.
• Contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the organisation.
• Assist with employment relations processes, including disciplinary, grievance, and performance matters, while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Participate in HR audits, investigations, and compliance activities as required.
• Support organisational change initiatives, ensuring cultural and wellbeing considerations are incorporated.
• Assist with HR reporting, metrics, and workforce data analysis to support informed decision-making.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, HR projects, system upgrades, and cross-functional workstreams that enhance employee experience.

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

Essential:

• Tertiary qualification in HR, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2+ years’ experience in an HR support or coordinator role.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proactive, solutions-focused approach.
• Knowledge of employment law and HR best practice.
  
  

Desirable:

• Experience in local government or the public sector.
• Exposure to wellbeing or engagement programmes.
• Proficiency with MS Office and HRIS systems

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!

Please find the position description here: https://tinyurl.com/mrxx93ta

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:
bdc.hr@bdc.govt.nz

Applications close: Friday, 8th May 2026 at 3PM