Manager Parks | Kaiwhakahaere Ngā Pāka

Porirua is a city with a big heart and bold aspirations. Our parks, reserves and open spaces are central to who we are—they shape how our communities connect, play, celebrate and care for our environment. We’re looking for a strategic and inspirational Manager Parks to lead this kaupapa and help guide the city into its next chapter.All about the roleAs a senior leader, you’ll oversee the planning, delivery and continuous improvement of our parks and open spaces, while developing a high-performing in-house Parks Team. You’ll build strong partnerships across Council, with Ngāti Toa, community groups and industry providers, and you’ll be the public face of Porirua’s Parks Team.In this role you’llLead and develop the Parks Team to deliver excellent customer-focused servicesOversee parks planning, asset management, contract management and operational deliveryRepresent the Parks Team in public forums and community engagementsLead key relationships with Ngāti Toa and contribute to te ao Māori integrationDeliver key aspects of Te Wai Ora o Parirua the Porirua Harbour AccordDrive continual improvement through systems, processes and performance frameworksLead financial planning, operational management and long-term budgetsGuide strategic thinking on biodiversity, biosecurity, recreational cycling and riparian plantingOversee delivery of playgrounds, sportsgrounds, gardens, trees, litter services and graffiti managementEnsure sustainable viability of the cemetery, crematorium, stadium, nursery and workshopBuild strong relationships with contractors, stakeholders and industry groupsProvide senior civil defence leadership during emergency management eventsAll about youYou’ll be a trusted courageous advisor, a visible operational leader, and have a desire to be the public face of our Parks Team. You’ll champion worker health, safety and wellbeing across the team, focussed on excellence in this area.You’ll build strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders and our community. You’ll guide strategic thinking on everything from biodiversity and recreational cycling to carbon reduction and riparian planting.You’ll need to show us that you have:Significant experience in the Parks sector, including senior operational leadershipProven ability to lead large, high-performing teamsStrong understanding of te Ao Māori and tikangaA strategic mindset with excellent planning, project and operational skillsExperience managing major contracts and diverse stakeholder relationshipsExcellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skillsPolitical acumen and confidence working with diverse communitiesCommercial awareness and ability to manage risk and seize opportunitiesStrong understanding of relevant legislation including LGA, Reserves Act, RMA, HSWA, and moreCommitment to health and safety, te Tiriti o Waitangi and inclusive workplacesRelevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experienceWhat you need to do nowIf you’re a visionary parks leader who thrives on complexity, community engagement and making a tangible impact, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Mike Mendonca, General Manager Infrastructure on Mike.Mendonca@poriruacity.govt.nz for more information.Porirua City embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We actively encourage applications by people from all backgrounds and are a member of Diversity Works. If you have any support or access requirements during our recruitment process, please let us know when you apply, and we’ll do our best to get you sorted.You will need to apply via our careers centre: www.poriruacity.govt.nz/careers.To find out more about working for Porirua City Watch this videoApplications close on Sunday 30 November 2025.