• CouncilMARK AA rating
• High Performing Council and Executive Team
• Enviable Rural Lifestyle, 20 Minutes from Christchurch

About The Role: 

With a purpose “to make Waimakariri a great place to be in, in partnership with our communities”, Waimakariri District Council provides services to a district extending from the Waimakariri River to Pegasus Bay in the east, to the Puketeraki Range in the west and bounded by the Hurunui District to the north, covering 225,000 hectares and home to 68,000 people.  The Council employs 380 FTE’s and has a total operating revenue of $205 million (year ended 30 June 2025).

The Council is in a strong financial position with prudent financial management over a long period of time, and the CouncilMARK AA rating was achieved. WDC has just completed the bi-annual internal engagement survey ‘Our Voice’ and 93% of staff agree they enjoy working there.

This is an attractive, complex and broad position leading a team of approximately 120 staff, providing finance and treasury, governance, customer service and information management services across the Council, as well as to elected members. The key areas of focus include: 

• WDC is currently undergoing a Council Enterprise System programme, moving systems to DataScape (Datacom) – this role will be key to implementing this programme this year;
• Working closely with the Mayor and Councillors contributing to the strategic direction of Council; providing governance support leading up to the 2025 elections will be a critical focus;
• Local Water Done Well (LWDW) is a key priority and will have an impact on the way they work, developing service level agreements across council;
• The development of strong working relationships with your team, with a focus on leadership, mentoring and building capability;
• Being a key interface with Council subsidiaries and investments;
• Overseeing the development of the next Long Term Plan cycle, Annual Plan process and rating review;
• Leadership of Information Management across Council.

Chances are rare to work alongside a Mayor, Council and Senior Leadership Team of this calibre and for a well-respected organisation that genuinely cares for its people - this has to be one of the most rewarding General Manager Finance roles in Canterbury. 

Skills & Experience:

Candidates of interest will have a successful track record of developing excellent working relationships as well as having a passion for leading, coaching and mentoring their people. You will have:

• A CA qualification;
• At least 10 years professional experience in a senior leadership position, with a sound track record leading finance and treasury functions;
• Values-based leadership qualities and known as an empathetic leader who empowers others;
• Demonstrated experience delivering customer-focused services in a complex organisation;
• A collaborative style with well-developed strategic thinking and communication skills;
• IT savvy and experienced with information management systems;
• Ideally some knowledge of Commerce Commission reporting requirements;
• The ability to present confidently to Council, its committees, community boards and advisory groups in a professional manner.

This represents an excellent prospect for existing CFO’s as well as a great opportunity to step up for those who aspire to CFO level. While a background in local government is desirable, Council is happy to consider candidates with experience in other public organisations or associated sectors.

About the Council:

Waimakariri District is one of the fastest growing Districts in New Zealand and the fourth largest, by population, in the South Island. Waimakariri District Council promises to be professional, approachable and solutions-focused when providing for their community.

Only 20 minutes north of Christchurch, Waimakariri District offers a small town and rural lifestyle with outdoor recreation activities on your doorstep but with the advantages of a big city nearby. Whatever your choice of lifestyle, it is readily available and affordable.

Rangiora is the largest town, with other major towns being Kaiapoi, Oxford, Pegasus, and Woodend, as well as several village and beach settlements all within a short drive.

Despite ongoing and significant growth since the Canterbury earthquakes, Waimakariri has retained its character and a high proportion of residents are involved in community and recreational pursuits. There is a real sense of community here.

The District is set to continue growing and is projected to reach 100,000 residents by 2050. The challenge is balancing growth while ensuring a healthy environment, supportive community, resilient infrastructure, and welcoming conditions for business and new residents – all the things that make Waimakariri such a great place to live.

The community is passionate about their place in the world and engaged with the Council to deliver on their vision. Waimakariri District Council aims to make Waimakariri a great place to be, in partnership with its communities.

Culture: 

Our Purpose – To make Waimakariri a great place to be in, in partnership with our communities.

Our Vision - We are a respectful, progressive team delivering value for our customers.

Our Values – We will…

• Act with integrity, honesty and trust
• Keep you informed
• Do better everyday
• Take responsibility
• Work with you and each other

Our customer promise – We will be professional, approachable and solutions-focused.