Title:  Senior Media and External Communications Advisor | Auckland or Wellington

Senior Media & External Communications Advisor | Auckland or Wellington

• Shape the stories that help build and protect KiwiRail’s reputation
• Auckland or Wellington based
• 12-month fixed term opportunity covering parental leave
• Senior communications role with real visibility, variety and impact
• Part time position working four days a week with flexi/hybrid options available

Position Description

He kōrero mō mātou | About us

At KiwiRail, we’re shaping the future of Aotearoa by driving sustainable growth for our customers, communities and people. For more than 150 years, rail has connected communities, moved freight and passengers around the country, and showcased New Zealand’s incredible landscapes to the world. Our purpose, Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand, reflects our commitment to creating a more connected country through our people, networks and journeys.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role

If you thrive on a great story, can keep a cool head when the pressure is on, and know how to turn complex issues into clear, engaging communications, this could be the role for you.  As our Senior Media & External Communications Advisor, you’ll be at the heart of KiwiRail’s external communications. You’ll help shape how our story is told, build and protect our corporate reputation, and provide trusted communications advice across a large, high-profile organisation.  No two days are likely to look the same. One day you could be developing a proactive media story or content for our external channels, and the next you could be advising on an emerging issue, preparing a senior leader for a media interview, or helping coordinate communications during a fast-moving situation.  You’ll work closely with senior leaders, communications and stakeholder teams, subject matter experts and media to ensure our external communications are clear, coordinated and impactful.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop proactive and reactive communications plans that support KiwiRail’s strategy and protect our reputation.
• Identify compelling stories and content opportunities that bring KiwiRail’s work and impact to life.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and key media contacts.
• Prepare media releases, articles, briefing material and engaging external content.
• Assist with Official information Act requests.
• Provide strategic communications advice to senior leaders, including around positioning, timing and reputational risk.
• Prepare and coach approved spokespeople for media interviews and briefings.
• Anticipate emerging issues and help coordinate clear, timely responses across the organisation.
• Lead communications planning for sensitive, complex and high-profile issues or crisis situations.
• Contribute to KiwiRail’s social media and digital channels, creating content that builds engagement and supports our corporate narrative.
• Work closely with stakeholders across KiwiRail to keep communications aligned, consistent and impactful.
• Share responsibility for the after-hours media phone and issues and crisis response as part of the team roster.

Ngā pūkenga e rapu nei mātou | What you will bring

We’re looking for an experienced communications professional who knows how to balance strategy with delivery and isn’t fazed when priorities change quickly.

You’ll bring:

• Strong experience across communications, media relations and public relations.
• Experience developing and delivering communications strategies and plans.
• Excellent writing skills and the ability to turn complex information into clear, compelling messages.
• Proven experience processing and managing Official Information Act (OIA) requests.
• Strong media judgement and confidence operating in sensitive or high-profile situations.
• A proactive approach, with the ability to spot both communications opportunities and emerging risks.
• Experience tailoring communications for different audiences and channels.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to think beyond the immediate issue and understand the broader reputational impact.
• A collaborative, adaptable and solution-focused approach.
• A tertiary qualification in journalism, communications or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.

Experience working within a public service or similarly complex, high-profile environment would be particularly valuable.

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you

We offer more than a job. We offer the opportunity to use your communications expertise in an organisation that plays an important role in New Zealand every day.

Some of the benefits of working at KiwiRail include:

• Competitive salary plus 4% KiwiSaver employer contribution
• Discounted Southern Cross health insurance for you and your whānau
• Access to the New Zealand Railways Staff Welfare Trust
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Staff travel benefits and exclusive discounts
• A collaborative and supportive team environment
• The opportunity to work on stories and issues with genuine national interest and impact

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to make a difference?

If you’re an experienced communications professional who loves a good story, enjoys operating at pace and knows how to navigate the moments when communications really matter, we’d love to hear from you.

Bring your judgement, creativity and communications expertise to KiwiRail and help us tell our story while protecting and strengthening a reputation that has been built over generations.

Applications close: Sunday 15th of November 2026