Principal / Senior Transport Planner

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency; Blenheim; On-site; NZD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Life insurance

Income protection

Critical illness insurance

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency in Blenheim seeks an experienced Principal/Senior Transport Planner to lead transport planning across the Marlborough region. This is a full-time role coordinating local roads and the state highway network and shaping the region's transport outcomes.

You will work with councils, developers and stakeholders, providing strategic advice on land use, development consents and regional transport planning, with opportunities to influence the Marlborough Environment Plan

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in transport planning-focused roles.
• Good understanding of integrated transport systems.
• Experience working with partners and stakeholders to shape strategic priorities.
• Strong analytical, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working across planning, infrastructure, development or transport systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A tertiary qualification in Transport Planning, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of Te Ao Māori, tikanga, te reo Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Leading transport planning initiatives across the Marlborough region.
• Providing transport advice on resource consents and development proposals.
• Representing Marlborough Roads at transport forums, hearings and community engagement activities.
• Building relationships with councils, developers and industry stakeholders.
• Supporting long-term transport planning and regional strategy development.
• Leading development of the Regional Land Transport Plan.

Skills

Transport planning

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Verbal communication

Strategic planning

Cross-sector collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Transport Planning or Engineering

Job description

Principal / Senior Transport Planner page is loaded## Principal / Senior Transport Plannerlocations: Blenheimtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 2 Days Agotime left to apply: End Date: October 15, 2026 (9 days left to apply)job requisition id: JR-0000013125* Lead transport planning across the Marlborough region* Covering local roads and state highways - help shape an entire regional transport network* Principal or Senior level* Based in Blenheim, full-time positionWe're looking for an experienced transport planning professional at principal, senior (or potentially intermediate) level to lead transport planning across the Marlborough region. This is a unique opportunity to influence transport outcomes on local roads on behalf of Marlborough District Council, while supporting NZTA in respect to the state highway network in the region, providing a rare end-to-end view of the region's transport system...**Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity**This is a senior specialist role where you'll provide transport planning advice across land use development, resource consents, regional transport planning and strategic transport initiatives. You'll work closely with council teams, developers, stakeholders and elected members to influence transport outcomes that support the region's future growth.You'll work at the intersection of transport, planning, community outcomes and political decision-making, helping ensure development across the region aligns with the transport objectives of the Proposed Marlborough Environment Plan.This is a varied role and no two days are the same. One day you could be providing transport advice on a major development proposal, and the next representing Marlborough Roads at a public engagement event, supporting a hearing process, or helping shape long-term transport planning for Blenheim and communities across the region.What you'll be responsible for* Leading transport planning initiatives across the Marlborough region* Providing transport advice on resource consents and development proposals* Representing Marlborough Roads at transport forums, hearings and community engagement activities* Building strong relationships with councils, developers and industry stakeholders* Supporting long-term transport planning and regional strategy development* Leading development of the Regional Land Transport PlanView the position description .**Ko koe tēnei | About you**Please note: Candidates with sound transport planning experience but who may not meet every aspect of the Principal level profile are encouraged to apply. If your skills and experience align more closely to a Senior-level position, we may also consider appointment at that level.Ideally you will have:* Extensive experience in transport planning-focused roles* Good understanding of integrated transport systems* Experience working with partners and stakeholders to shape strategic priorities* Strong analytical, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills* Experience working across planning, infrastructure, development or transport systems* Excellent written and verbal communication skills* A tertiary qualification in Transport Planning, Engineering or a related disciplineYou'll also demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to build your understanding of, Te Ao Māori, tikanga, te reo Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies in the public sector.The Marlborough Roads team is responsible for the integrated management of both state highways and local roads, working collaboratively to plan, deliver and maintain a safe, resilient and customer-focused transport network.Through planning, effective programme development, strong stakeholder relationships and consistent operational delivery, the team helps ensure transport services and infrastructure meet community expectations, achieve value for money and support long-term regional outcomes on behalf of NZTA and Marlborough District Council.We offer:* 5 weeks annual leave* Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness insurance for permanent employees* Flexible working arrangements* A supportive environment where you can grow your career and capability* The opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference for New Zealanders**Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:****Rā Katinga | Applications close:**14 October 2026For further information, email: [e-mail] 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.