Working for Porirua City Council

This page has information for job seekers about Porirua City Council, how it is structured, and the benefits of working for the Council.

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Porirua leads the way for quality of life

Porirua is a leading city in economic development and quality of life and celebration of diversity. We aim to recruit, develop and retain high quality staff, and have a comprehensive Human Resources Strategy to support this goal.

Porirua City is 20 minutes north of Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, and is situated around a picturesque harbour. We have a population of approximately 50,500 people, and our residents come from many different cultures. The abundance of natural open spaces and the healthy environment make Porirua City an attractive place for living, working, shopping and relaxation.

There are a range of free parking options around the central city streets, and plenty of food outlets and restaurants. An extensive bus service operates from the central city to all suburbs. The central business district has all the essential business services and two shopping centres within easy walk of the main Council Administration Building.

The Council's library, and Pataka Museum of Arts and Cultures is open seven days a week, with free access for Porirua City residents to library books and most services.

The Te Rauparaha Arena has a range of facilities for public hire and use, including the Arena Fitness Centre, Arena Aquatic Centre, and a café.

Our City's Record

The most recent Quality of Life survey of 12 cities in New Zealand results showed Porirua is on par with other cities and near the top for areas such as:

  •  sense of community and local neighbourhood
  •  overall quality of life
  •  residents’ perception of positive impact of increased cultural diversity

View the full report from our Quality of Life Report page.

You can also view our

Recent Council Achievements

Recent achievements from PCC employees and /or business initiatives:

  • World Health Organisation Safe As! accreditation
  • Wellington Regional Gold Business Awards 2008 Winner: Workplace Safety
  • Creative NZ Award 2007 – Pataka Museum of Art and Cultures
  • Y-Xpress Youth Magazine - Finalist in National Local Authority Community Development Awards 2007
  • The Environment and Regulatory Services Group was top equal in MFE survey of all local authorities with 100% compliance with resource consent statutory deadlines
  • Trash Palace – Internationally recognised recycling centre located at our Spicer Landfill

Staff benefits

Leave

After 3 years continuous service, employees begin accruing annual leave at the rate of 5 weeks per annum. The Council complies with all other legislation regarding leave and entitlements.

Staff Social Club

We have a Social Club to foster and promote social activities among our staff. The social club organises occasional social gatherings, Christmas functions, and other events throughout the year. Social club membership also provides a range of other benefits for its members.

Free Pool Entry

To help promote fitness and health, all permanent staff are entitled to free entry to the Arena Aquatic Centre and Cannons Creek Pool, and may participate in personal fitness challenges throughout the year.
 
Subsidised Arena Fitness Centre Membership
 
Membership entitles you to full use of the Arena Fitness Centre (cardio and weights), group fitness classes, and the Arena Aquatic Centre. Upon joining, each member will receive an initial fitness assessment and exercise programme.

Southern Cross Healthcare

The Council has a group healthcare scheme with Southern Cross, making available special benefits to staff and immediate families.

Annual Health Checks

The Council provides free annual health checks every year, covering:

  • Diabetes screening (blood sugar levels)
  • Cholesterol Screening
  • Blood pressure check
  • Body mass index (height/weight ratio)
  • Advice on appropriate exercise and diet

Flu Vaccinations

Porirua City Council provides free influenza vaccinations in April every year.

Eye Tests

The Council provides subsidised annual eye examinations and assistance with the purchase of correcting lens.

Training and Development

All new employees participate in a comprehensive 2 day orientation programme, EEO workplace training and coaching and feedback training. We recognise the need and value of ongoing training and provide both in-house and external training courses. We provide training in software applications using the International Drivers Licence program, and management skills. Staff may also attend conferences and user group meetings of relevance to their areas.

Study Awards

The Council operates an annual Study Award system, where approved employees may receive a financial contribution in order to assist them in pursuing relevant extramural studies. Time off for study, exams, courses or programmes may also be granted.

Employee Assistance

The Council operates an Employee Assistance Programme, a stress management programme, provides workstation assessments and a flexible working policy.

Smoke Free Environment

Porirua City Council operates a smoke free work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunities

The Act requires local authorities to act as 'good employers'. This includes a specific requirement to have an equal employment opportunities policy.

Porirua City Council supports the following principle and practices of Equal Employment Opportunities:

The Principle of the Act is that all applicants and employees have equal opportunity to achieve their potential.

EEO Practices

  • That the employment aspirations and aims of target groups (including Maori, Pacific people and ethnic minorities) are recognised, and as far as practicable met;
  • That EEO requirements are incorporated into Porirua City Council procedures, practices and policies to ensure the successful management of a diverse workforce;
  • That the needs of all staff are taken into account to ensure the working environment is free from discrimination; and
  • That training and information is provided to staff to ensure they are fully aware of EEO best practice and are committed to the EEO principle espoused by the Porirua City Council.

The Council's programme encompasses both managers and staff having a role in making EEO real on a day-by-day basis.

Key components of the programme focus on:

  • Workshops on harassment awareness and prevention;
  • Workshops on Equal Employment Opportunities;
  • Support network for trained harassment liaison staff;
  • Active support and encouragement for staff network groups.

Performance Management

Porirua City Council operates a performance management system designed to measure and recognise staff performance and achievement.

All staff have an annual performance agreement listing their objectives and training and development plan for the year. These are reviewed every six months. These performance objectives cover:

  • Serving the customer (both internal and external)
  • Managing our resources
  • Running the business

All roles also have a competency profile covering:

  • Managing our resources
  • Serving the customer
  • Running the business
  • Learning and Growth

Links to more information

Porirua City Council links: