Defence Community Facilitator at NZ Defence Force, Nelson - Marlborough

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As a highly valued member of the Woodbourne team, the Defence Community Facilitator plays a vital role in fostering a connected, resilient and thriving Defence community. Working closely with personnel, families and community partners, you will have the opportunity to lead initiatives that strengthen wellbeing, social connectedness and engagement across the base.

As part of a wider wellbeing team, you will work collaboratively with Social Workers, Field Psychologists, medical staff and Chaplaincy to support the health and wellbeing of our Defence community.

Key responsibilities include:

• Partnering with Base Command to plan, coordinate and deliver community-focused services and initiatives.
• Facilitating a range of engagement activities, events, educational programmes and awareness campaigns for personnel and their whānau.
• Welcoming new personnel and families to Woodbourne through tailored orientation and community integration activities.
• Sharing timely and relevant information through both digital and traditional communication channels.
• Connecting community members with internal and external wellbeing services and providing appropriate referrals where needed.
• Supporting the development of resilience, wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging within the Defence community.

Building strong community relationships and regularly connecting with personnel and whānau through community activities and events will be a key part of this role.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We're looking for someone who has a solid foundation in community engagement and development, actively empowering others and connecting people/ communities together.

We are looking for the following skills and experience:

• Exceptional organisational abilities, capable of managing shifting demands with ease.
• Experience working in a community, family-related, social, or human services field using community development models and approaches.
• Understanding and experience in working in a person centric model of integrated wellness that has a social connectedness, prevention and a self-resilience focus.
• Pro-active and confident stakeholder engagement, networking and relationship management skills.
• Well-developed communication, facilitation and speaking skills.
• Coordinating and managing large scale community activities and events.
• Familiarity with a range of professional, government and social service providers available locally and nationally.

We put people at the heart of everything we do and are looking for someone who shares this approach and is committed to building a strong and connected community.

Applications may be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Monday 26 October 2026.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:

Low Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last five (5) years.
• You must have a five (5) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.