Company Description
OceanaGold is a growing mid-tier gold and copper producer listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). With four operating mines—Haile in the USA, Didipio in the Philippines, and Macraes and Waihi in New Zealand—we are committed to safe, responsible mining that generates strong returns and supports sustainable development.
Our purpose is mining gold for a better future. The gold, copper, and silver we produce power renewable energy, life-saving medical devices, and the technology that connects communities. Beyond this, our operations drive economic growth and improve health and education outcomes in the regions we serve, supporting over 3,700 direct jobs globally.
Guided by our values—Care, Respect, Integrity, Performance, and Teamwork—we strive to be a trusted company people want to work for, partner with, and invest in, creating lasting value for all our stakeholders.
Our Waihi Operation in the North Island of New Zealand is an underground operation. A recent consent to develop the previous Martha mine has provided our project with an extension of life providing our 350 staff and contractors, and the people of Waihi, an assurance that we plan to be here for the long-term.
Job Description
Are you tired of FIFO? Missing family, friends and milestone celebrations regularly?
Imagine having a true work-life balance located in the stunning region of Waihi. No more FIFO! No more extreme heat waves! Experience the unbeatable lifestyle of a stunning residential mining location, just a short distance away from the most incredible beaches and awe-inspiring scenery. Your days off are available for hiking, adventuring, fishing, and skiing in winter.
The key objective is to manage the development and continuous improvement of the Waihi North Project’s (WNP) Health and Safety Management System, policies and procedures that meet or exceed occupational Health and Safety standards for the project. Waihi has not undertaken a major construction project since 2020, when the Favona boxcut, portal and decline was established. A key function of this role is to ensure suitable construction related health and safety policies and procedures are developed and implemented as each of the workstreams commence.
The role also involves coordination and assistance to the Waihi Asset President, Senior Site Executive, WNP Project Director, WNP Project Team and Waihi Exploration and Geology Manager in meeting their obligations under the relevant Occupational Health & Safety legislation, such as risk management, ongoing safety education, learning and development, safety culture/behaviours and hazard identification to ensure work site safety is of the highest standard.
Key responsibilities:
- Ensure compliance with New Zealand legislation, including but not limited to: Health Safety at Work Act 2015, Mining Operations and Quarrying Operations Regulations 2016, Hazardous Substances Regulations 2017. This includes defining legislative, policy and procedural changes for on-site and off-site activities.
- Liaise with regulatory bodies, auditors, and other stakeholders as required.
- Optimise and facilitate WNP Risk management strategies, Principal Hazard Management Plans/Principal Control Plans, Training Management Plan and other controlled documents in a manner, which meets best industry practice standards and ensures continual improvement.
- Ensure Health and Safety documentation and systems for the WNP are developed in accordance with Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP’s) and relevant Aus/NZ standards.
- Provide coaching and mentoring to the WNP team on stop & think, JHA, task observations, critical control and principal hazard investigations, H&S risk assessments and effective use of SOPs.
- Develop and manage the business units Integrated Management System that is aligned to ISO 45001 and ISO 31000.
- Pre-Qualify Health and Safety information submitted for WNP tenders.
- Develop and implement Learning and Development strategies for WNP workers aligned to the Waihi Training Management Plan and industry best practice.
- Drive the development of a Health and Safety culture based on interdependence and accountability which is identifiable at all levels of the operation and is underpinned by the behavioural safety program – OurSafe Behaviours.
- Manage the internal and external audit requirements for WNP Health, Safety and Training and make recommendations for enhancements and improved performance relating to non-compliance issues.
- Effectively manage the Health, Safety and Training department resources, ensuring on-going professional development of staff and achievement of performance objectives.
- Monitor and report on health, safety and training trends, wider industry incidents and statistics and provide recommendations for enhancements/improvements.
- Effectively lead and manage incident investigations to identify root causes and establish controls to prevent recurrence.
- Oversee WNP emergency response planning, exercises, and incident management processes.
Qualifications
- A tertiary qualification preferred or;
- Extensive experience in health and safety and training.
- Lead incident investigation training (ICAM or similar)
- Adult Education qualification.
- Auditing qualification.
- Full and current driver license, ability to drive manual vehicles is preferred.
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of current health and safety legislation, New Zealand Standards and relevant Code of Practice.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of experience within a heavy manufacturing or mining environment and five (5) years in a health and safety, or training role demonstrating a track record of implementing best practice systems. Underground mining experience is an advantage.
Additional Information
WHAT'S ON OFFER:
- Residential role - live and work in Waihi, the gateway to the stunning Coromandel region
- Career Development Opportunities
- Competitive salary + short-term and long-term bonus
- Monday - Friday, 9-day fortnight - enjoy a long weekend every other week.
- Discounts on retail and services.
- Free Southern Cross Healthcare.
- Free Gym Membership.
- Company vehicle.
- Career Development Opportunities.
- Long service recognition.
- Access to OceanaGold Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Exceptional working environment where people are valued and respected
YOU MATTER: OceanaGold is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We believe a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. Should you require any assistance applying for this opportunity, please contact us at [email protected]
YOU MATTER: OceanaGold is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We believe a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. Should you require any assistance applying for this opportunity, please contact us at [email protected]
**Applications close 15 August 2025. Shortlisting will commence immediately. Please note that a valid New Zealand working Visa will be required for this position.
PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FROM AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
