Manager Spatial Planning

Ministry of Housing and Urban Development NZ; Wellington; On-site; NZD 169,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Housing and Urban Development NZ in Wellington leads the transformation of spatial planning policy as part of the new planning system. The Manager, Spatial Planning will guide a team delivering national policy tools, regulatory instruments and cross‑government collaboration to shape growth, infrastructure and environmental outcomes.

The role requires strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and experience in policy development, with the ability to brief senior leaders and Ministers

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead teams and manage relationships.
• Experience collaborating with peers and partner agencies to shape policy.
• Strong understanding of government policy processes and regulatory design.
• Experience in spatial planning or planning policy is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and briefing skills for Ministers and senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of spatial planning policy and national instruments.
• Oversee legislation design and ensure policy settings are practical and effective.
• Collaborate across MCERT and partner agencies to shape central government spatial planning.
• Provide support across teams during the planning system transformation programme.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Cross-agency collaboration

Strategic planning

People management

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Ministry of Housing and Urban Development NZ – Wellington, North Island

$168,574 - $204,663 a year

Full time

4d ago , from Ministry of Housing and Urban Development

• Based in Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington

About us

The Ministry for Cities, Environment,Regionsand 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 developpolicy andestablishspatial planning as an influential tool for guiding growth, infrastructure investment, andenvironmentaloutcomes.

This includes:

• 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.
• Workingcollaborativelyacross MCERT and withpartneragenciestoshape the role ofcentral government in spatial planning.
• Providingsupport to other teams as part of a flexible approach to managing theplanning system transformationprogramme.

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.
• Understandingofplanning systempolicy 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,identifyingcritical issues, andmaintaininga 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, SelectCommitteesand senior leaders.

Salary range

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

If you require further information about thispositionplease contact**************@mcert.govt.nz.

This role can be based in Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington

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***********@mcert.govt.nz.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

Note:forourinternal permanentpeoplewho are applying for a secondment, you must speak with yourManagerbeforesubmittingyour application.

Please note, we are managing this recruitment directly. We are not accepting unsolicited profiles from recruitment agencies for this vacancy.