Policy Planner

Taituarā; Invercargill City; Hybrid; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working environment

Career progression and training

Employee wellbeing benefits

Kiwisaver

Sick leave from day one

Job summary

Invercargill City Council invites applications for a Policy Planner to provide high-quality strategy and policy advice on planning and resource management. Open to experienced policy planners or those transitioning from resource consent planning.

The role operates 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday to Friday, with hybrid work options for the right candidate. Strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement and evidence-based policy development.

Qualifications

• Preferably experience in policy development, including research, analysis, drafting, and consultation processes.
• Adaptability and resilience in a changing legislative and policy environment.

Responsibilities

• Contributing to the development and review of key spatial planning initiatives and district plans.
• Develop, review and monitor the District Plan during the transitional period to the Planning Act.
• Process and review private plan changes and engage with stakeholders.
• Provide expert policy advice to Council and coordinate submissions on planning proposals.
• Coordinate and facilitate public consultation on planning activities.

Skills

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Research and analysis

Consultation processes

Education

Bachelor level in Planning and Resource Management

Job description

Are you ready to be a part of something exceptional? Invercargill City Council invites you to become a driving force in our future-focused team. With a vibrant atmosphere and an unwavering commitment to our values—positivity, respect, responsibility, and above and beyond—we're passionate about creating a team full of outstanding individuals who are as passionate about shaping the future as we are.

Our friendly Policy Planning team are seeking a Policy Planner to provide high-quality strategy and policy advice on planning and resource management. We are open to applications from policy planners at any level, or from resource consent planners looking to transition into policy work.

The hours of work for this position are 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday. Hybrid work arrangements may be considered for the right candidate.

Key responsibilities for this role include:

• Contributing to the development and review of key spatial planning initiatives, including the Invercargill District Spatial Plan currently being prepared, the upcoming Murihiku Southland Regional Spatial Plan, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Contributing to the ongoing development, review, and monitoring of the District Plan during the transitional period to the Planning Act.
• Processing and reviewing private plan changes.
• Undertaking research and analysis and engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Providing expert policy advice to Council on matters that affect our District, and preparing and coordinating submissions on regional and national planning proposals.
• Coordinating and facilitating public consultation processes on planning related activities.

What you will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification to Bachelor level in Planning and Resource Management.
• Minimum of two years in the Resource Management or related field.
• Preferably experience in policy development, including research, analysis, drafting, and consultation processes.
• Adaptability and resilience in a changing legislative and policy environment.

What we offer:

• Flexible working environment
• Career progression and training/development opportunities
• Positive focus of employee health and well-being: Workstation assessments, free flu vaccines, EAP services, 50% off eye exams, discounted gym memberships etc
• Kiwisaver and Superannuation Schemes
• Access to sick leave from day one of employment
• Appointment time leave: Up to 2 hours for important appointments eg. Doctor, bank, dentist

Waihōpai Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the heart and hub of Southland. We're known for our lush green spaces, like award-winning Queens Park, our long summer daylight hours and our local legend Burt Munro. Our city has character, charm and a laidback atmosphere. There's outstanding nature reserves, Ōreti Beach and the Waihōpai River to explore plus our lively restaurants complemented by a thriving entertainment and arts scene which are hard to beat! The sensible gridded layout featuring wide streets ensures a convenient 10-minute drive to work. Who wouldn't want to call this place home?

Want to know more? View the full position description or contact Invercargill City Council at [phone].

Applications close 8 November 2026. Please note applications will be processed as they are received and we encourage you to apply early as this advert may be removed at any time.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be considered, preference will be given to candidates currently residing in New Zealand.