Principal Planning Advisor

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) invites applications for Principal Planning Advisor to shape the long-term transport planning for Auckland and Northland, working with local authorities to develop RLTPs and regional spatial plans.

You will lead analysis, develop evidence-based strategies, and coordinate with central government and partners to deliver enduring transport outcomes. This 12-month fixed term/secondment offers impactful public service work.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise applying systems thinking to complex issues.
• Significant experience with local government planning or projects.
• Strong experience leading, influencing and building credibility with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience translating complex issues into clear strategic direction and advice.
• Knowledge of Te Ao Māori, tikanga, te reo Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies within the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Shape long-term strategic direction for NZ’s land transport system.
• Lead thinking and analysis on complex system and place-based challenges for Auckland/Northland.
• Collaborate with partners across government and local authorities to align priorities and evidence-based decisions.
• Help develop Regional Land Transport Plans and the 30-year transport plan for Auckland.

Skills

Systems thinking

Local government planning

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

• Shape the long-term strategic direction of New Zealand’s land transport system
• Lead the local government relationship for Auckland/Northland
• Senior strategic advisory opportunity based in Auckland or Northland

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced strategic planner to join our Regional Transport System Planning team as a Principal Planning Advisor.

In this influential role, you will work with local government to develop Regional Land Transport Plans, support spatial plans and help develop the 30 transport plan for Auckland, supporting planning and decision making that contributes to NZTA’s long-term goals and the wider priorities of central government.

You will lead thinking and analysis on complex system and place-based challenges and opportunities, bringing a strong systems perspective to regional planning. Shape investment in Auckland and Northland, for NZTA and with local government projects. Working across NZTA and with central government agencies, local authorities, transport partners, stakeholders and communities, you will help align strategic direction, evidence, outcomes and priorities across the wider land transport system.

This is an opportunity to shape planning in the Auckland and Northland regions, helping NZTA and our partners navigate emerging risks, opportunities and develop a pipeline to shape a transport system that delivers enduring outcomes for New Zealand.

Note: This is a 12 month Fixed Term or Secondment opportunity.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Proven expertise and experience applying systems thinking to complex issues.
• Significant experience with local government planning or projects.
• Strong experience leading, influencing and building credibility with a diverse range of senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to align evidence, outcomes and priorities within regional plans.
• The ability to translate complex issues and evidence into clear strategic direction and advice.
• Strong relationship and engagement skills, with the confidence to represent NZTA and contribute effectively across government and the wider transport sector.
• Experience navigating complex environments, identifying system improvements, to enable our partners to achieve their aspirations.

You will ideally hold a relevant tertiary qualification, preferably at postgraduate level, or bring equivalent relevant experience. You will also demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to develop your understanding of, Te Ao Māori, tikanga, te reo Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies within the public sector.

Ko wai mātou | About us

The Planning team provides clear, coordinated leadership of the organisation’s planning function, working across national, regional, and local levels to define system needs, priorities, and choices. The Planning team partners early and strategically with local government and sector stakeholders to align plans, integrate modal and system expertise, and balance national consistency with regional responsiveness.

Aligned to our strategy, the team works in close connection with Deliverer functions to ensure planning intent is embedded early and translated into practical, investable and deliverable outcomes. Through strong planning practice, streamlined accountabilities, and fit-for-purpose structures, the team enables faster, better-informed decisions and supports the organisation to effectively deliver its Planner role, shaping transport system outcomes across New Zealand.

Regional and Local Planning

works closely with local government partners to build a shared long-term view of the transport system’s needs, and the options to meet them, at a local and regional level, which shapes policy and investment decision-making. The teams will lead NZTA engagement/input into RLTPs, provide regional input into key planning documents including Arataki, SHIP, NLTP and ONF, and facilitate local government’s engagement with NZTA as a whole. This work informs investment priorities and trade‑offs, with actual funding and investment decisions being made by the Investment function, ensuring clear separation of duties

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

8 November 2026

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.