Parks and Recreation Planner

E ngā iwi, e ngā karangatanga huri noa i te motu, tēnei te mihi atu ki a koutou katoa. He īnoi tēnei ki a koe. Tono mai ki tētahi tūnga ki te Kaunihera o Ōtautahi

Would you like to be a key player in the future provision of our City's parks and recreation facilities?

We are seeking a motivated individual with lots of initiative to plan for the provision and management of parks throughout Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

About the role | Ko te mahi nei

This role sits within the Parks Recreation Planning team and plays a key part in planning, developing, and enhancing recreational spaces and facilities across the city, with a strong focus on community wellbeing and access to quality open spaces.

Key areas of focus include:

• Recreation opportunities including play spaces and walkways
• Outdoor sports facilities
• Facilitating community activities including leases on parks

In this position, you will:

• Provide planning and advice for the provision of recreation and community use opportunities that are sustainable, meet community needs and outcomes, and enhance the key values of the City's parks
• Prepare plans for the City's parks, including management, landscape, and development plans
• Plan for and support delivery of capital development and renewal projects
• Facilitate community use and occupation of parks such as leases
• Have input into Council planning documents such as strategic plans, Activity Plans, and policies

You'll have variety in your day-to-day activities working alongside community stakeholders, leading project teams, and planning for the capital programme. As an enthusiastic team player, you'll provide technical and professional advice to other Parks staff and Council units as well as external stakeholders.

There will be opportunities to upskill both in-house and with involvement in industry led training opportunities to keep up to date and research national and international trends that influence park outcomes.

About you | Ko Koe Tēnei

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about creating well-designed parks and recreation spaces that meet community needs now and into the future.

You will ideally bring:

• A tertiary qualification in parks and recreation planning or a closely related field (a post-graduate qualification would be an advantage)
• At least 5 years’ experience in parks, recreation, or environmental planning and management
• Strong knowledge of legislation and planning processes relating to parks and their use
• Experience in preparing plans, policies, or advice that support the sustainable use and development of public open space
• Confidence working across capital projects, planning processes, and community-facing initiatives
• Excellent communication skills, including report writing, presentations, and stakeholder engagement

You’ll enjoy variety across strategic planning and on-the-ground delivery, and be confident working with a range of stakeholders. You’ll bring a collaborative, solutions-focused approach, provide clear and practical advice, and stay up to date with sector trends.

What's in it for you? He aha ngā hua ki a koe?

Want to be involved in shaping your City? Here at the Council we know our strength comes from our people, working together as one team to create results. When you join us, you're getting involved first hand, and contributing to crafting the Christchurch community. You will also benefit from:

• Access to training programmes, workshops, and development opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements - WFH, adjustable start and finish times, option to purchase extra leave.
• Collaboration - exposure to wider areas of the organisation
• Benefits - a variety of benefits for Council staff from health schemes to retail discounts.

Additional Information | Ko ētahi atu kōrero

We understand that recruitment processes can be challenging. If you require any support or adjustments to help you put your best foot forward, please reach out to us at ***email_hidden***

• Hours of work - To be discussed with the successful applicant
• Position - Part-time, permanent (20 hours per week)
• Location - This position is primarily based at Te Hononga Civic Offices, 53 Hereford Street
• Salary - The hourly rate for this position goes from 46.38 to $51.53 per hour. Starting rates will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, and relativities both, within the immediate team and in the broader organisation for the same or similar roles.
• Closing Date - Sunday 28 June 2026

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the close date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad before the advertised close date.