Discover a career with purpose at Waitaki District Council
Waitaki District Council is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our 23,000 residents and creating a thriving, sustainable community. With a committed team of professionals, we provide essential services 24/7, ensuring the wellbeing of our district. We manage infrastructure, environmental conservation, community development, and regulatory services, responding to
thousands of community interactions each year while proactively addressing local needs and challenges.
We’re committed to specific goals and targets that emphasise our collaborative approach with
iwi, local communities, other government sectors, and business partners. Together, living our organisational attitudes and behaviours, we will build a thriving one-team culture, enabling
delivery of excellence in service for Waitaki.
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Lead the delivery of sport, recreation and leisure services to enhance community wellbeing across the Waitaki District.
As Sports & Leisure Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across Council’s sports and leisure portfolio, ensuring facilities, programmes and services deliver positive outcomes for our communities.
Working closely with the Director, Community Engagement & Experience, you will help shape the future direction of sports and leisure services, balancing community needs, customer experience
and revenue generation for financial sustainability.
You will lead a lean but high-performing team, build strong partnerships with community organisations, sporting groups and key stakeholders, and drive innovation and continuous improvement across services and facilities.
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on community wellbeing while helping ensure Council’s sports and leisure services remain accessible, sought after, sustainable and valued by the people of Waitaki.
He aha taau e kawe mai |
What you’ll bring
The preferred candidate will have:
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Strategic Leadership
You bring significant leadership experience in sport, recreation, leisure, aquatic or community facility environments. You can translate strategy into action, lead through change and drive continuous improvement.
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Commercial and Operational Acumen
You have strong financial management capability and experience balancing community outcomes with sustainable service delivery. You understand operational compliance, risk management and the delivery of high-quality customer experiences.
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Relationship and Partnership Building
You are an effective communicator who builds trusted relationships with staff, community organisations, sporting groups, partners and stakeholders. You are confident influencing outcomes and working collaboratively across diverse interests.
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Qualifications and Experience
• Relevant tertiary qualification in sport, recreation, leisure management, business or a related field.
• Significant leadership experience in sport, recreation, leisure, aquatic or community facility management.
• Current New Zealand Driver Licence.
• Police Vetting under the Children’s Act 2014.
• Understanding of local government is desirable.
We’re always open to secondments from other Local Government employers and across the wider public service. So if you are interested in this role on a fixed term secondment basis and have your home agencies prior support, you’re welcome to contact us to discuss making this happen.
Mo tātou | About us
Waitaki District Council (WDC) is a dynamic and progressive local government organisation dedicated to serving the residents and communities of the Waitaki District. Our mission is to foster a thriving, innovative, and sustainable community through efficient and effective governance and service delivery. At WDC, we provide a wide range of essential services that contribute to the well-being and development of our district. These services include:
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Infrastructure and Environment: We manage and maintain roads, water supply, waste management, and recreational facilities, ensuring that our district’s infrastructure meets the
needs of our growing community.
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Community and Economic Development: We support local businesses, tourism, and community initiatives, promoting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.
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Regulatory Services: We ensure compliance with building, environmental, and public health standards to create a safe and healthy environment for all.
- Customer and Community Engagement: We actively engage with our community to understand their needs and provide high-quality customer service through various channels.
WDC is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration, striving to be a leading council that makes Waitaki a better place to live, work, and visit. Join us in our mission to build a vibrant and prosperous future for our district. WDC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. International research tells us that women and people from minority groups don’t always apply for roles if they are concerned that they don’t meet every single one of the requirements. We’re open to talking to you about how your skills and experiences could be a great fit with what we need and what we’re trying to achieve.
Me pēhea te tono | How to Apply
If this position sounds like you, click apply now and submit a tailored Cover Letter and CV. Before confirmation of hire, pre-employment checks will be undertaken which may include references, credit check, drug and alcohol testing and police vetting prior to any written offer being made.
All applications must be submitted online and will not be accepted directly via email.
All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.
Utu ā-tau | Salary
The salary for this position will commence between $121,633 and $143,098 dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role.
Applications close 30 June 2026, however, due to the possibility of a high number of applications, this role may close earlier.
For any queries related to this position, please contact people@waitaki.govt.nz
