Manager - Spatial Planning

New Zealand Government; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 169,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Zealand Government, Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), invites applications for a Fixed Term Manager, Spatial Planning. Based in Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington, you will lead a team delivering policy and tools to implement the new planning system.

You will collaborate across government, shape central government roles in spatial planning, and drive priority work while briefing Ministers and senior leaders as required.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead people and manage relationships.
• Ability to collaborate across agencies and influence outcomes.
• Strong understanding of the machinery of government and policy development processes.
• Understanding of planning system policy and spatial planning practice.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Capable of driving work programmes with a solution-focused approach.
• Ability to align work with Ministry and Business Group priorities.
• Experience briefing Ministers and senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of spatial planning policy and national instruments to support the new planning system.
• Support planning system legislation development and practical policy settings.
• Collaborate across MCERT and partner agencies to shape central government roles in spatial planning.
• Provide support to teams as part of the planning system transformation programme.

Skills

People leadership

Cross-agency collaboration

Machinery of government understanding

Policy development

Interpersonal skills

Project/program delivery

Briefing Ministers

Job description

Fixed Term until 30 June 2028
Based in Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington

About us

The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) takes a long-term view of how New Zealand's towns, cities and regions grow and change. We work across housing, transport, the environment, urban development, infrastructure and investment, and partner closely with local government. We provide joined-up policy and investment advice to government, support effective regulation and market settings, and work with others to help deliver affordable housing, connected communities, well-planned infrastructure, and a healthy, sustainable environment.

About the role

Spatial planning is a critical first step in implementing the new planning system. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape how that approach is designed and applied, ensuring it delivers practical, long-term value for New Zealand. As Manager, Spatial Planning, you will lead a team working across government to develop policy and establish spatial planning as an influential tool for guiding growth, infrastructure investment, and environmental outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Leading the development of spatial planning policy, including national instruments, regulations, and other tools that support the roll-out of the new planning system.
• Supporting the ongoing development and implementation of planning system legislation, including contributing to legislative design and ensuring policy settings are practical and effective.
• Working collaboratively across MCERT and with partner agencies to shape the role of central government in spatial planning.
• Providing support to other teams as part of a flexible approach to managing the planning system transformation programme.

Skills and experience

• Proficient in leading people and managing relationships.
• Skilled in collaborating with peers and cross partner agencies, effectively influencing to achieve desired outcomes.
• Strong understanding of the machinery of government and policy development processes, including legislative and/or regulatory processes.
• Understanding of planning system policy and/or practice, and specifically spatial planning practice.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and build relationships across the Ministry and with government agencies.
• Capable of driving work programs, identifying critical issues, and maintaining a solution-focused approach.
• Ability to consider and deliver to Ministry and Business Group wide priorities as well as team priorities.
• Work collaboratively with other managers to flexibly resource priority work.
• Support the GM to deliver complex work programmes.
• Ability to effectively brief Ministers, Select Committees and senior leaders.

Salary range

Salary range for this role is $168,574 to $204,663 pa. Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.

Applications close

Applications close: Monday 7th September 2026.

Equal opportunity statement

We are committed to equal opportunities and building a diverse, inclusive workplace. We support our people to work in ways that help them do their best. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. We want our recruitment process to be fair and accessible for everyone. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know or get in touch at [e-mail].

For additional information about this position please contact [e-mail].

Note: you must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role. Note: for our internal permanent people who are applying for a secondment, you must speak with your Manager before submitting your application.

We are managing this recruitment directly. We are not accepting unsolicited profiles from recruitment agencies for this vacancy.