Rural and Coastal Advisory Group
Expressions of Interest are open from Friday 20 March to Tuesday 7 April 2026.
Help shape how South Wairarapa District Council works with rural and coastal communities
We are seeking expressions of interest from people with rural or coastal community experience to join the SWDC Rural and Coastal Advisory Group.
The Council makes decisions and delivers programmes that have a direct impact on rural and coastal communities across South Wairarapa. These include work relating to land management, roads and bridges and rural resilience. Local, practical advice from our rural and coastal communities is essential to ensure this work is effective, realistic, and grounded in an understanding of our communities.
The Rural and Coastal Advisory Group provides a unique opportunity for rural practitioners and coastal communities to bring their perspectives into Council decisions.
Why we’re establishing this group
The Rural and Coastal Advisory Group was identified during the Representation Review process to connect communities in South Wairarapa. It was established to provide advice and feedback to Council and relevant committees, on matters affecting the rural and farming community.
The group helps:
- Ensure the wellbeing, needs, and views of rural and coastal communities are reflected in council planning, policy decisions, and service delivery.
- Provide council with a strong, informed rural and coastal perspective on issues affecting our communities — including roads, rates, water, resilience, forestry, climate impacts, coastal issues, land use planning, and more
These are complex, interconnected issues that will benefit from local insight alongside technical advice. The Group will give the community a meaningful way to bring local knowledge, lived experience and fresh perspectives into Council’s thinking.
What the group will do
As a member of the Rural and Coast Advisory Group, you will:
- Provide advice on the development of relevant policies, plans and strategies as they relate to rural and coastal issues.
- Support council engagement with the district’s rural and coastal communities.
- Provide feedback on matters of particular interest or concern to rural and coastal communities.
While the group is advisory only, it will provide evidence-based recommendations that Council (or relevant committees) can consider through its development of policy, strategies and annual and long-term planning processes.
Who we are looking for
We’re seeking passionate people with a mix of experience and perspectives, including
- Strong understanding of rural and/or coastal issues
- Knowledge of their community and its needs
- Experience working in, or with, rural or coastal sectors
- Links to local organisations, iwi, or community groups
- An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance to local government
Previous governance experience is useful but not required.
How the group will operate
Members will be appointed for the current triennium (2025–2028)
You will be expected to:
- Attend quarterly meetings or as required (two to four hours each)
- Reading and preparation before meetings
- Occasional additional engagement such as workshops, emails, or surveys
- Provide practical, experience-based feedback on Council.
- Participate respectfully in group discussion and represent a broad rural and/or coastal perspective
How to apply
Expressions of interest are now open, and close on Tuesday 7 April 2026.
👉 Email your application or questions to governance@swdc.govt.nz
Applicants do not need to provide a CV or cover letter. You are also able to hand in your application to the South Wairarapa District Council office in Kitchener Street, Martinborough.
Expressions of interest should outline:
- Your name and contact details
- Which rural or coastal area you associate with in South Wairarapa.
- Why you are interested in joining the RCAG (maximum 300 words)
- What experience, knowledge or perspectives would you bring to the group
What happens next?
Members will be appointed by Councillors and the South Wairarapa Mayor through a selection process that seeks a balanced mix of experience and perspectives.
We will contact everyone who applied and tell them the outcome of this process.