Wairoa District Council is seeking an experienced, highly professional Executive Assistant to provide exceptional support to the Mayor and Chief Executive, while upholding the highest standards of political neutrality, discretion, and integrity.

You will play a critical role in enabling informed, timely and effective decision-making, and in supporting strong relationships between elected members, senior leadership, staff, and the wider community.

About the role

In this role, you will provide high-level, proactive assistance to the Mayor and Chief Executive, and support the Chief of Operations as required. You will manage complex diaries, prepare meeting materials and correspondence, coordinate Mayoral functions, and act as a key point of connection across Council and with external stakeholders.

You'll be comfortable operating in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment, managing competing priorities, handling confidential information, and responding calmly and professionally to issues as they arise. Your judgement, discretion and ability to anticipate needs will be essential to success in this role.

What you'll be doing

This role is broad and varied, and includes:

• Providing high-level executive and secretarial support to the Mayor and Chief Executive
• Proactive diary, meeting and workflow management aligned with organisational priorities
• Preparing briefing materials, background information, correspondence and reports
• Coordinating Mayoral engagements, functions, travel and logistics
• Acting as a key liaison between elected members, senior leaders, Council staff and external stakeholders
• Managing sensitive and confidential information with absolute discretion
• Supporting effective governance processes and continuous improvement of office systems
• Building trusted relationships and maintaining a high level of political awareness and neutrality

What you'll bring

We're looking for a seasoned Executive Assistant who brings professionalism, resilience, and sound judgement. You will have:

• At least 5 years' experience as an Executive Assistant supporting a Chief Executive or equivalent senior leader
• Advanced administrative and office management skills, with strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Proven ability to manage pressure, sensitive issues and competing priorities
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work confidently with elected members, senior leaders and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated political neutrality, discretion and integrity
• Experience managing risk, issues and senior executive relationships
• A collaborative, flexible approach and a commitment to continuous improvement

Why join us?

This is a unique opportunity to work closely with the Mayor and Chief Executive, contribute directly to the effectiveness of local governance, and be part of a professional, values-driven organisation that serves its community. You'll be trusted with responsibility, exposed to a wide range of issues and stakeholders, and supported to do your best work.

If you are an experienced Executive Assistant who thrives in a high-trust, high-impact environment, we would love to hear from you.