Principal Planner

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 132,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

A key transportation agency in New Zealand is seeking a Principal Planner to provide technical leadership and manage consenting processes for major projects. This role involves building relationships with local authorities and stakeholders, while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. The ideal candidate will have experience with resource management planning and strong communication skills. Competitive salary of $132,000 - $162,000 is offered, alongside flexible working arrangements and additional benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Flexible working arrangements

5 weeks of annual leave

Income Protection and Critical illness Insurance

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Land Transport Management Act and related legislation.
• Experience with district and regional plan development.
• Ability to mentor team members and promote best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead consenting strategies and statutory applications.
• Provide expert input into community engagement.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and internal processes.

Skills

Solid experience in Resource Management Act (RMA) planning

Strong communication skills – written and verbal

Stakeholder engagement

Managing complex technical information

Job description

Overview

Lead and review consenting workstreams across major NZ projects. Build trusted relationships across the sector. Permanent opportunity - ideally based in Palmerston North, Wellington, or Christchurch.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As Principal Planner, you’ll provide technical leadership across the Environmental Planning team including specialist advice on statutory applications, pathways and processes throughout project development as well as third-party approvals, council policy and plan reviews, and managing NZTA’s designations and consents. The role also involves working in partnership with local authorities, developers, iwi, and other stakeholders to ensure land use planning is integrated with transport infrastructure.

You will lead the development and approval of consenting strategies, resource consent applications, and statutory approvals, while representing NZTA at hearings, mediations, and other forums. You’ll also be responsible for –

• Leading and reviewing consent strategies and statutory applications


• Providing expert input into community and stakeholder engagement plans


• Mentor team members and promote innovation and best practice across planning teams


• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and internal processes

You will find out more about the role here.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $132,000 - $162,000 commensurate to skills and experience.

Ideally based in Palmerston North, Wellington, or Christchurch, however applications from other areas may also be considered.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will Bring

• Solid experience in Resource Management Act (RMA) planning


• Working knowledge of Land Transport Management Act, Government Roading Powers Act, Local Government Act, Heritage NZ Act, Conservation Act


• Experience with district and regional plan development and change processes


• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and consenting strategy development


• Demonstrated experience working within a project team and leading suppliers to ensure consenting and compliance requirements are clearly understood


• Strong communication skills – written and verbal


• Ability to manage complex technical information and competing priorities

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public service.

Mō mātou | About Us

The NZ Transport Agency is dedicated to creating a land transport system that connects people, products, and places for a thriving Aotearoa. Our purpose is to deliver great outcomes now and make the future a better place. We are the kaitiaki of the transport system – working with partners, for people, for our land, and for the future.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return

• Competitive salary and benefits package


• Flexible working arrangements


• Along with our other benefits we also have 5 weeks annual leave and an Income Protection and Critical illness Insurance scheme available for all permanent employees

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Rā Katinga | Applications close

12 October 2025

For further information, email: [e-mail]

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.