Community

Supporting West Coast community growth through jobs, innovation, and local partnerships

WMS recognises that its success is all made possible through the community on the West Coast

A key aspect of our operations is our commitment to community engagement and development. We recognise the importance of our business to the West Coast and as such strive to foster strong relationships with residents and stakeholders.

Through regular engagement, WMS ensures that community voices are heard, addressing concerns related to environmental impacts, job opportunities and local infrastructure. This collaborative approach has helped us build social license, which we deem crucial in maintaining positive relationships with the community.

Our people

We are committed to attracting top talent globally while fostering meaningful career pathways for local communities. By recruiting skilled professionals from diverse backgrounds, we enhance their expertise and innovation. Simultaneously, we invest in local talent development, creating opportunities for residents to build rewarding careers in the mineral sands industry.

Our pilot operation alone is employing around 60 full time staff across our mining, ports, marine, engineering, geology and administration. The future for us is to expand that to 200 people, with more highly skilled roles available up and down the West Coast. These positions will provide meaningful career pathways, contributing to the long-term success of both our company and the community.
For current and future job opportunities, you can either contact careers@wmsnz.com or have a look at our vacancies by clicking “join the team”.

Join the team

Future generations

We believe it is both our duty and privilege to support our young people on their path to a career in our sector, building a pipeline of future talent. The more highly skilled people we can attract to the West Coast, the more our local economy will grow.

To support emerging talent, in 2023, we awarded our first WMS Group Education Scholarship to Kaira Lourie, to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Geology at Canterbury University. Kaira is employed as an Intern Geologist during her semester breaks and has guaranteed employment on completion of her degree.
Charlotte Sweney, a 2024 Development West Coast Tertiary Scholarship recipient, is also gaining hands-on experience in Environmental Management at WMS while she undertakes a Bachelor of Environmental Management at Lincoln University.
Both Kaira and Charlotte exemplify the bright future we are helping shape for the West Coast of New Zealand.

Proudly supporting regional initiatives

We recognise there is more to life than work. Our regional sponsorships and events help our people and their families to feel valued outside of business hours and demonstrate our support of the local community.

Penguin Trust

WMS has partnered with the West Coast Penguin Trust to help conserve kororā (Little Penguins) and protect their habitats. WMS has adjusted operations, including modifying traffic plans to reduce disruption to the penguins. This collaboration highlights our commitment to sustainability and wildlife protection.

Kawatiri Cycle Trail

Westland Mineral Sands has pledged a donation to the Kawatiri Coastal Trail to support its construction and ongoing maintenance. The donation will help mitigate rising costs and ensure the trail remains a valuable asset for locals and visitors to the region. WMS takes care and has respect for the environment, while delivering positive economic gains for New Zealand.

Other Sponsorships & Events

DWC Buller Excavation and Mining Information Evening
Rocky Point Trail Run
Buller Rugby Team
Westport Whitebait Festival
REAP Discovery Day
Buller Cross Country Prize
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