Principal Planning Advisor

Job Type: Permanent | Full Time

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Job Category: Government, Defence & Emergency

• Lead regional planning programmes and policy development
• Join a values-led organisation serving Canterbury communities
• Flexible work options and development opportunities

Kaunihera Taiao Ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

The region's evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.

Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

Council plays an important role in responding to national legislation and policy changes – this mahi is part of our operating environment and is embedded in our everyday mahi. The current proposals from central government are significant, and Council is working through the opportunities and implications. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment).

Kōrero Mō Te Tūranga │ About The Role

This is a senior technical leadership role within our Planning team, providing expert planning advice, strategic direction, and mentoring support across the organisation. As Principal Planning Advisor, you will lead complex planning programmes and influence the development of regional plans, policies, and strategies that shape the future of Canterbury. You'll work closely with internal stakeholders, mana whenua, local government partners, central government agencies, and community groups to deliver high-quality planning outcomes that support both environmental stewardship and community wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Leading the development of technical planning advice across the Planning Section
• Managing the review, development, and maintenance of regional plans, policies, and strategies
• Providing technical leadership and mentoring to project leaders and planning staff
• Ensuring alignment between the Regional Policy Statement and wider resource management activities
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with mana whenua, councils, government agencies, stakeholders, and communities

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Mōu │ About You

You are a highly experienced resource management professional with a strong strategic planning background and the confidence to provide expert advice on complex and often high-profile issues. You enjoy influencing outcomes, developing capability in others, and building trusted relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Combining technical excellence with sound judgement, you can navigate changing legislative environments while keeping a clear focus on delivering meaningful outcomes for Canterbury.

You'll Bring

• A tertiary qualification in natural or physical resource management or a related discipline
• Proven ability to provide technical leadership, mentor others, and build organisational capability
• Strong strategic thinking, communication, and relationship management skills

A relevant postgraduate qualification and membership, or progress towards membership, of the New Zealand Planning Institute will be highly regarded.

You’ll Have

Mātau ā-Wheako │ Experience

• At least eight years' experience in resource management, including significant experience in policy development, regional planning, or plan preparation
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working collaboratively with iwi, local government, and community groups

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ Working at Environment Canterbury

Our Mahi Is Underpinned By Our Values

• Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)
• Pononga (integrity)
• Manaakitanga (people first)
• Whanaungatanga (collaboration)
• Māiatanga (can do)

We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment. We value everyone's contribution, diverse thinking, and skills.

We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work. We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart and mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey.

Ko Ētahi Atu Kōrero │ Additional Information

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Applications close on Wednesday 9 September and will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. Interviews may begin before the closing date, and we reserve the right to close the advertisement early.

Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role.

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

Me mahi tahi tātou – Together we can