Northland Regional Council’s role is to care for and protect Te Taitokerau Northland's environment and communities. Does that resonate with you?

Ko te aha ā mātou mahi? / What work do we do?

We’re focused on creating a healthy environment, strong economy and resilient communities - matching our skills and resources with the vision and aspirations of our people. Our mahi involves working in partnership with tāngata whenua and our communities to protect and care for our waters, land, air and native life, while building our region’s resilience and adapting to a changing climate. When you join us, you’re part of something bigger- helping Te Taitokerau thrive for generations to come.

Toitū te whenua, toitū te moana, toitū te tangata. If the land is well, if the sea is well, the people will thrive.   

Te āheinga / The opportunity

As a Health and Safety Business Partner, you will play a vital role in shaping and strengthening a proactive health, safety and wellbeing culture across our organisation. This is not a role about ticking boxes or enforcing rules for the sake of compliance—it’s about working collaboratively, building trust, and helping our people understand and embrace safety systems that protect them every day. You’ll be at the heart of promoting consistency in our approach, delivering training and clear communications that ensure our systems are not only implemented but truly adopted. Because our work is diverse, you’ll need to immerse yourself in what we do, understand the hazards involved, and support the ongoing revision and implementation of health and safety procedures that keep pace with our evolving environment.

You’ll provide timely and accurate advice on everything from legislative compliance and risk management to health monitoring and the implementation of appropriate controls. Alongside this, you’ll assist with incident management, investigations, audits and inspections, ensuring that health and safety information is recorded and reported accurately.

This is a role for someone who thrives on collaboration, who can balance technical expertise with people skills, and who is motivated by the opportunity to make a genuine difference in the wellbeing of others. If you’re ready to influence culture, drive improvements, and be a trusted partner in health and safety, we’d love to hear from you.

He kōrero mōu / About you

We want someone with resilience, confidence, and the ability to build positive relationships while delivering fact-based messages that inspire change. In addition, you will bring the following:

• A degree qualification in a relevant discipline
• Relevant work experience Understanding of HSWA 2015, associated regulations and guidance.
• Audit, inspection and investigation experience is desirable.
• Understanding of Tikanga Māori and basic Te Reo would be advantageous.
• Competency in the use of Microsoft applications.
• Full NZ Drivers licence.

We understand that sometimes the right person doesn't ‘tick all the boxes'. If you feel that you have something to offer, but may not fully meet all the job criteria described, please don’t hesitate to apply, and we’ll consider all your talents.

Ko te aha ngā painga o te mahi kei konei? / What are the benefits of working here?

Just as you care about your community and environment, NRC cares about you and your wellbeing. Our organisation celebrates collective efforts and achievements and recognises every individual for their contributions and dedication to their mahi.

We understand the importance of flexibility, so we’re committed to alternative working arrangements for our staff. We offer a range of flexible work arrangements to suit our people’s varied lifestyles, commitments and cultural needs.

Tono mai / Apply

The mahi we do really makes a difference, so if you are motivated to help nurture our region’s taiao, we are keen to learn more about you. Want to have a kōrero with us first, or just need more information? If so, contact our Health and Safety Manager, Tamsin Sutherland (Tamsins@nrc.govt.nz). To view the job description, visit our careers site where the following link will work: JD: Health & Safety Business Partner

Applications close on 12 January 2026

Please note as our team will be on leave over the Christmas period, any enquiries made after 23 December 2025 will be replied to after 12 January 2026. Interviews for this role are expected to be scheduled towards the end of January. Please note we will not accept email applications.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency/citizenship, or a valid NZ work visa.