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This page outlines the vacancy and the key skills and responsibilities for the role.


Aquatic Programmes Leader

Feilding, New Zealand

Reference: 6772079

Location: Makino Aquatic Centre, Feilding

Type: Permanent | Part-time (25+ hours/week with flexibility)

Are you passionate about creating engaging community programmes? Do you thrive on collaboration, creativity, and making a difference? We're looking for a motivated Aquatic Programmes Leader to help shape the future of aquatic-based community engagement in the Manawatū District.

About the Role:

As our Aquatic Programmes Leader, you'll design and deliver a variety of fun, inclusive, and impactful programmes and events — from fitness classes and family activities to dive-in movie nights and school workshops. You'll lead these initiatives onsite at the Makino Aquatic Centre, out in the community, and online, ensuring that everyone can connect with our services.

Working closely with our passionate team and a wide range of partners (including iwi, schools, and local organisations), you'll be at the heart of positioning Makino as a vibrant hub for wellbeing, recreation, and connection.

What You'll Do:

  • Develop and manage community-focused aquatic programmes and events
  • Promote activities through creative content and marketing strategies
  • Build strong relationships with stakeholders, schools, and community groups
  • Support front-of-house operations and contribute to a welcoming customer experience
  • Identify funding opportunities to support programme growth
  • Collaborate across Council teams on exciting, cross-functional initiatives

We're looking for someone with:

  • Experience in community or event programming
  • Proven experience with social media marketing and website management
  • A proactive, inclusive, and customer-focused approach
  • Great communication and digital skills
  • A passion for people and a proactive attitude
  • A relevant qualification and full driver's licence

Typically, the hours of work for this role will be between 1pm - 6pm weekdays, however a high level of flexibility with hours is essential due to the nature of this role. Your leadership, engagement and attendance at events and programmes is a requirement of this role.

Why Join Us?

At Manawatū District Council, we're committed to building connected, vibrant communities. You'll be part of a supportive team that values innovation, flexibility, and fun. No two days are the same — and your work will make a real impact.

The salary range for this role based on 25 hours a week is $39,000 to $52,800 (midpoint $45,900) depending on your skills and experience, with five weeks annual leave.

Apply Now!

If you're ready to dive into a dynamic role where your ideas and energy will make waves, we'd love to hear from you.

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  1. Find the position you are interested in

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  1. Answer the questionnaire

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  1. Upload your CV

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What happens next?

We will send you an email confirming we have received your application.  Once the recruitment closes, our interview panel will then review all the applications.  If you are successful in being short-listed for an interview then a member of our friendly People and Culture team will contact you with your interview details including if there is any practical exercise involved with your interview.  If your application is not successful in getting an interview then you will receive an email from us advising you of this.

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