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Are you passionate about creating welcoming, vibrant, and inclusive places where people connect and thrive? Do you believe great customer experiences extend beyond buildings into the parks and open spaces that define our city? If so, this is your opportunity to lead with purpose.

At Napier City Council, our open spaces are vital to community wellbeing, resilience, and identity. We’re seeking a visionary leader to guide the strategic planning, development, and activation of our open space network—ensuring it remains accessible, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of our diverse community.

As Head of Open Spaces, you’ll oversee all parks, reserves, sportsgrounds, cemeteries, and public amenities. You’ll ensure these places are safe, well-maintained, and future-ready through smart planning, innovation, and inclusive engagement. You’ll also play a key role in the Executive Leadership Team, driving long-term value and empowering your people to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Te Āheinga – The Opportunity

• Lead the strategic direction of Napier’s open spaces, aligning them with community aspirations.
• Oversee operations and maintenance, and contribute to capital works, ensuring high-quality, sustainable environments.
• Embed open space design into city growth and infrastructure planning.
• Partner with iwi, developers, and community groups to create places that reflect Napier’s identity.
• Foster innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement across all services.

He kōrero mōhou – About You

• Tertiary qualification in parks management, recreation, or public sector management (or equivalent experience).
• Significant leadership experience across parks, open spaces, recreation, or local government.
• Proven record in strategic and operational planning, infrastructure delivery, and service improvement.
• Expertise in asset and contract management, financial oversight, and long-term planning.
• Excellent communication and relationship skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate widely.

Ngā painga mōhou – What We Offer

• 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years’ service
• Health insurance discounts, eye test subsidy, flu vaccinations
• Retailer discounts, study assistance, social club, birthday vouchers, and quarterly awards
• Te Reo Māori classes, Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga, and NCC Kapa Haka

This is a permanent, full-time role based in Napier CBD. Apply below or for a confidential conversation call Shane Mackay at H2R Consulting on 04 499 9471