What to expect
Discover what it's like to work at the Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai.
A meaningful workplace
At the Authority, you will be part of a passionate team of professionals focused on our mission: safe water every day, for everyone.
We use a range of regulatory tools, from guidance and education to stronger enforcement options, to ensure drinking water suppliers meet the requirements for providing safe, reliable drinking water to the people they serve.
We also play a role improving the way that wastewater and stormwater networks affect the environment. This includes developing nationally consistent environmental performance measures and standards, and reporting on the environmental performance of networks in ways that improve public knowledge and understanding of these services.
Your health and wellbeing matters
We believe that taking care of our people is essential. We support you with:
- an active Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee with trained representatives
- ergonomic workspaces
- an annual wellbeing allowance to support your personal wellness
- annual flu vaccinations
- free period products on-site
- employee assistance programme (EAP): confidential counselling and support services available 24/7, including Rongoā Māori.
Sustaining our people
We want to invest in your growth because we know that as you develop your skills and expertise, our organisation becomes stronger. Your knowledge directly contributes to safer drinking water for New Zealand communities.
You can look forward to:
- being part of a small organisation and relatively flat structure, with direct access to our senior leaders
- supportive people leaders assisted by a great People and Culture team
- development opportunities for all employees and by a dedicated learning and development specialist
- support to gain and maintain professional qualifications
- opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects
- resources to help grow and understand tikanga, te reo Māori and leadership development
- opportunity to join and initiate employee-led networks, such as our:
- women's network
- kaimahi Māori network
- quiz team.
We believe diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes for all New Zealanders. We're committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We embrace different backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints and support this with our Pay Gaps Action Plan.
As a Crown entity, we are committed to meeting our Treaty of Waitangi obligations. Iwi/Māori have important perspectives that inform our regulatory approach. Our Māori Advisory Group (Te Puna) supports us as we go about our work to meet these objectives.
Benefits of working with us
As a Crown entity, we seek to be a good employer.
Flexible working policy
We understand life happens beyond work and have a Flexible Working Policy to support this. Some of our flexible working options include:
- flexi time (flexible start and finish times)
- working from home arrangements that are agreed between employees and their people leader
- part-time hours.
Leave benefits
Take time when you need it:
- four weeks’ annual leave plus three additional Authority days over the Christmas and New Year break
- recognition of prior service for the purposes of annual leave (two additional days after five years’ continuous service)
- up to 10 days’ paid partners leave (parental leave for secondary caregivers)
- options to purchase one or two weeks of additional leave every year
- one day of volunteer leave every year.
Competitive remuneration
At the Authority, we:
- conduct an annual review of all salary ranges, aiming to be competitive against the public sector median
- publish salary ranges annually
- link individual pay increases to performance
- provide employer superannuation contributions on top of base pay
- use a ‘pay gap calculator’ to close pay gaps in line with our Pay Gaps Action Plan.
Your first days with us
We ensure a smooth start with:
- a supportive welcoming environment from day one
- online induction modules
- regular check-ins with your manager to ensure you're settling in well
- introductions to your extended team
- clear expectations and goals through our performance and development cycle
- modern technology and resources ready from day one.
Where we're located
Our main office is located in the Wellington central business district. We also have regional teams in Hamilton, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Dunedin.
Public service values
As a public service organisation, we uphold:
- integrity and honesty in all our actions
- political neutrality and impartiality
- responsible management of public resources
- commitment to the public service principles, the State Services standards of integrity and conduct, the spirit of service to communities and respect for all people.
We're looking for passionate people who strive to make a real difference. If you're committed to safe drinking water, improved environmental performance of water networks, enjoy solving complex problems and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, then visit our Current vacanciesoutbound page.
Contact our recruitment team at recruitment@taumataarowai.govt.nz if you have any questions.
Follow us on LinkedInoutbound for updates on new opportunities.
Together, we can ensure safe water every day, for everyone.
We’re an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve.