Senior Planner

• Apply your technical knowledge across the planning spectrum
• 2 Fixed-term positions until August 2027 and September 2027
• Flexibility to be located in either Palmerston North, Hamilton, Tauranga, Auckland or Christchurch

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Our Poutiaki Taiao Environmental Planning team is the primary home of resource management planning expertise for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). We have an opportunity for two Senior Planners to join the team for a fixed-term (parental leave cover) until August/September 2027.

Skills

As a Senior Planner, you will apply your technical knowledge to provide expertise in planning and consenting work streams and support across the organisation for statutory consents and approvals. Depending on the skills and experience you bring to the team, there are a range of workstreams you could be involved with, such as:

• Overseeing environmental compliance and consenting maintenance activities across the State Highway network
• Private plan changes and other RMA policy work
• Assessing third party applications, including through FTAA processes (sec 95 and Sec 176 responses for Land Use Developments)
• Responding to and consenting emergency works
• Assist principal planners with Roads of National Significance FTAA approvals
• The role has great scope for building and working with key local stakeholders, as you partner with them to determine land use decisions. You'll be representing NZTA at hearings, community meetings and other forums, and provide advice and oversight to enable decision makers to make transparent and informed decisions.

Find more information about the role here: position description

Appointment base salary is between $111,051.00 – 141,898 per annum (pro rata) commensurate to skills and experience.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring a demonstrated experience in the following areas:

• Resource Management Act (RMA) regulatory process, including working across multiple regions and districts, and an ability to communicate that process to non-RMA experienced people.
• Other relevant statutes including Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act, Wildlife Act and Conservation Act.
• Drafting submissions and evidence and presenting evidence at hearings.
• Working with internal and external stakeholders and managing relationships, including undertaking community consultation and engagement.
• Understanding of the transport sector and the role of the transport network is desirable.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to tailor communication styles appropriately to different audiences and situations.
• Ability to effectively manage your time and prioritise work, including with competing priorities in a time sensitive environment.
• Full Membership (or working towards) of NZPI.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.

Ko wai mātou | About us

The Poutiaki Taiao/Environmental Planning team work with and for Aotearoa New Zealand to influence quality development, safe outcomes and protect public investment in the transport system. We are a national team and work in a collaborative and transparent way to achieve national consistency and regional impact in the resource management space.

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

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.