About Mackenzie District Council (Team Mack)

At Mackenzie District Council we work together as a team to deliver the best outcomes for our district. We are crafting new ways of working together, and each one of us has an essential role in making our district the best place to live, work and play.

This could be the first step on a journey that sees you working in this iconic part of New Zealand, and making a difference. People travel from all parts of the world to experience our back yard with its geography dominated by the iconic Aoraki Mount Cook, and Lakes Tekapo and Pūkaki; providing a fantastic opportunity to escape the urban sprawl. With only a 45-minute drive from Timaru, you get the best of both worlds – experience the seaside in the city and the mountains in the mighty Mackenzie!

As part of Team Mack, we aim to give superb service to our customers, working together as a team, building a culture where we can all contribute our ideas, focusing on outcomes.

About the Role

The Economic Development Officer will champion, facilitate and lead initiatives and projects to enhance the economic development of the Mackenzie District. This role will focus on key matters including housing, destination management, business development and growth, business advice, data collection and analysis, and issues facing key industries including tourism and agriculture.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing and maintaining relationships with a wide range of Mackenzie District businesses – providing business support services and economic development advice
• Facilitating and encouraging initiatives to enhance economic development in the Mackenzie District, including working with Council’s property, planning and commercial teams.
• Working closely with Mackenzie Tourism, the Council’s RTO team, to support tourism business and destination management implementation
• Being the Council’s liaison, and seek collaboration opportunities with other Economic Development agencies and regional groups

• Provide a key resource to drive and coordinate Council’s participation in housing related initiatives in the district
• Produce comprehensive reporting of relevant economic data, statistics and forecasts for the Mackenzie district
• Keep up to date on external funding opportunities benefitting the local economy and assist with funding applications

About You

You will have experience with a proven track record in economic development and / or commercial business. You will have strong and proven interpersonal and relationship skills, including with businesses, and be passionate about making a difference in the Mackenzie.

You will also have:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications or demonstrable experience in commercial environments
• Project management experience
• Experience seeking and acting on funding opportunities
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively and confidently interact with the public
• A high degree of computer literacy and advanced keyboard skills.
• Ability to work well in a team and autonomously
• A full, valid driver’s licence

This is a full time, permanent role (40 hours per week) based out of our Fairlie office. To find out more about this role click here to access the position description.

We have some fantastic employee benefits at MDC including discounted fuel and retail discounts, paid special leave to cover medical appointments and professional services, and professional memberships.

If you have the skills and experience we’re looking for, and are excited to work in the mighty Mackenzie, apply today to join Team Mack!

Application close Friday 7 November 2025.