Principal Transport Planner

• Bring your own superpowers into focus
• Permanent, Fulltime position
• Applicants from across New Zealand will be considered, however people located in the Wellington/Lower North Island or someone with extensive knowledge of those locations will be given preference.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As a Senior Member Of The Team, You Will

• lead and contribute to integrated transport planning initiatives.
• Be responsible for the Transport Outcomes of a project,
• Represent us as a smart client, leading and directing the work of the Transport Planning team (including external team members) to meet delivery expectations.
• actively support practice improvement and development of the emerging workforce.

View more about the role here: position description.

Appointment base salary is from $ 142,000.00 - $156,000.00 depending on relevant knowledge and experience. Along with our other benefits, we offer 5 weeks annual leave, and a Life, Income Protection and Critical-illness Insurance scheme for all permanent employees.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You will need to be a confident self-starter, who thrives working collaboratively with diverse and varied audiences. We look for people with natural curiosity, solution focus, a proven ability to communicate a compelling story and demonstrate a growth mindset.

What We Are Looking For

• Enduring experience as a seasoned transport planner bringing a working knowledge of project development / investment case principles, ensuring proposals are evidence based, aligned, and represent a compelling case for investment.
• Sound project leadership skills, including a high delivery focus and excellent attention to detail.
• Experience managing professional services suppliers, reviewing outputs in association with subject matter experts.
• The ability to connect people and navigate legislative process and political drivers to deliver great outcomes for our customers.
• A growth mindset and the ability to model effective leadership, mentor other members of the team and help build a strong team environment and practice.
• Someone who holds or who is working towards CTPP chartership.

Ko wai mātou | About us

The Transport Planning team sits at the heart of shaping New Zealand's future transport system. Working across strategic planning, investment cases, network optimisation and major infrastructure programmes, the team helps ensure transport investments deliver real benefits for people, communities and the economy.

There has never been a more exciting time to join NZTA and help to create positive transport outcomes for Aotearoa!

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:

Please click ‘Apply for this Job’ to upload your CV and cover letter.

Rā Katinga | Applications close: Wednesday 22 July 2026

Rā Katinga | Applications close

22 July 2026

For further information, email: ***email_hidden***

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.