Planner Lead - Environmental

Te Nehenehenui Trust; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Nehenehenui is seeking a Planner Lead – Environmental to shape Maniapoto whenua, wai, and taiao. You will provide expert planning advice, champion Maniapoto interests across regulatory processes, and ensure iwi values are embedded in planning decisions.

Based in Te Kūiti or Hamilton, this permanent, full-time role collaborates with the Taiao Manager and whānau to advance environmental planning, advocacy, and relationship leadership.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Resource/Environmental Planning or equivalent work experience.
• 3+ years in planning roles or with the Resource Management Act.
• Good understanding of treaty settlements and iwi planning documents.
• Experience working with iwi/Māori organisations.
• Strong knowledge of RMA and environmental planning legislation.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced organisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead review and management of planning processes and environmental applications.
• Provide expert advice on environmental legislation and planning frameworks.
• Develop submissions, planning advice and evidence to protect Maniapoto interests.
• Support strategic relationships and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Contribute to district and regional planning policies and environmental strategies.
• Embed tikanga and settlement obligations in planning outcomes.

Skills

Planning expertise

Stakeholder engagement

RMA knowledge

Treaty settlements

Relationship management

Deadline management

Education

Environment planning qualification

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.

Planner Lead - Environmental (Permanent, Full Time)

Te Nehenehenui

Te Pūtake | About Us

Te Nehenehenui (TNN) is the Post Settlement Governance Entity for Maniapoto. TNN is responsible for the management of assets to meet the needs and aspirations of our people and to provide for future generations.

Tūranga Mahi | Position Overview

Shape the future of Maniapoto whenua, wai, and taiao. As the Planner Lead – Environmental, you will provide expert planning advice, champion Maniapoto interests across environmental and legislative processes, and help ensure iwi, hapū, marae, whānau, and hapori values are embedded in planning and resource management decisions.

Working closely with our Taiao Manager and wider Maniapoto whānau, you will play a pivotal role in protecting and advancing Maniapoto aspirations through resource management engagement, strategic planning, advocacy and relationship leadership.

This is a permanent, full-time role and is based either in our Te Kūiti or Hamilton Office.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the review and management of resource consent applications and planning processes.
• Provide expert advice on environmental legislation and planning frameworks.
• Develop submissions, planning advice and evidence to protect Maniapoto interests.
• Support strategic relationship agreements and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Contribute to district and regional planning policy, plan reviews and environmental strategies.
• Embed tikanga, kaupapa Māori and settlement obligations in planning outcomes

Ngā Pūkenga | Skill/Role Requirements

• A Resource/Environmental Planning qualification or relevant/related qualification and/or equivalent work experience.
• 3+ years' experience working in similar planning roles or working with the Resource Management Act.
• Good understanding of treaty settlements and iwi planning documents.
• Experience working in/with iwi/Māori organisations.
• Sound understanding of the RMA and environmental legislation relevant to planning.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to handle multiple deadlines in a fast-paced organisation is crucial.

This is a permanent, full-time role and is based either in our Te Kūiti or Hamilton Office.

To apply for this role, you must have permanent work rights with no restrictions to work in New Zealand.

If you have proven experience in a similar planner role, we would love to hear from you.

For further information including the job description please email **@tnn.co.nz.

APPLICATIONS will be reviewed as they come in. Applications will close once the role is filled or by 5.00pm, 18 September 2026 (whichever comes first).