Principal Planning Advisor

New Zealand Transport Agency; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Transport Agency seeks a Principal Planning Advisor to shape the long-term strategic direction of the land transport system in Auckland and Northland. You will lead relationships with local government and help develop Regional Land Transport Plans, RLTPs, and associated spatial plans in a senior advisory capacity.

You will work across NZTA and central government, bringing a systems perspective to investments and policy, while aligning priorities and delivering durable outcomes for

Qualifications

• Proven systems thinking applied to complex issues.
• Extensive experience with local government planning/projects.
• Strong ability to influence and build credibility with senior stakeholders.
• Able to translate complex issues into strategic direction and advice.
• Excellent relationship and engagement skills with government and sector partners.
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of Regional Land Transport Plans with councils.
• Shape investment in Auckland and Northland through strategic planning.
• Collaborate with central government and transport partners to align priorities.

Skills

Systems thinking

Local government planning

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic advisory

Leadership

Policy translation

Government liaison

Te Tiriti awareness

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Shape the long-term strategic direction of NewZeland'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 NewZealand.

This is a 12 month Fixed Term or Secondment opportunity. Location: Auckland or Northland.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

• 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 NewZealand. 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.

Ko wai mātou | About us

At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, it all starts with our people. The organisation’s performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. Waka Kotahi has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years time.

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 NewZealand.

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.