Principal / Senior Transport Planner

New Zealand Government Joba; Blenheim; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Life insurance

Income protection

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi NZTA) invites an experienced transport planning professional to lead regional transport planning for Marlborough from Blenheim. The role spans land use, development, and state highway interfaces, with involvement in public engagement and hearings.

You will influence regional outcomes in partnership with councils, developers and elected members. The position requires a tertiary transport planning qualification, strong communication, and the ability to work across

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in transport planning-focused roles.
• Good understanding of integrated transport systems.
• Experience working with partners and stakeholders to shape priorities.
• Strong analytical, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of Te Ao Māori, tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as applied in the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead transport planning initiatives across the Marlborough region.
• Provide transport advice on development proposals and resource consents.
• Represent Marlborough Roads at forums, hearings and community engagements.
• Build relationships with councils, developers and industry stakeholders.
• Support long-term regional transport planning and regional strategy development.

Skills

Transport planning

Integrated transport systems

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Public sector / te ao Māori awareness

Education

Tertiary qualification in Transport Planning/Engineering

Job description

Lead transport planning across the Marlborough regionCovering local roads and state highways - help shape an entire regional transport networkPrincipal or Senior levelBased 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 opportunityThis 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 regionProviding transport advice on resource consents and development proposalsRepresenting Marlborough Roads at transport forums, hearings and community engagement activitiesBuilding strong relationships with councils, developers and industry stakeholdersSupporting long-term transport planning and regional strategy developmentLeading development of the Regional Land Transport PlanView the position description here.Ko koe tenei | About youPlease 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 rolesGood understanding of integrated transport systemsExperience working with partners and stakeholders to shape strategic prioritiesStrong analytical, influencing and stakeholder engagement skillsExperience working across planning, infrastructure, development or transport systemsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsA 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 Maori, tikanga, te reo Maori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies in the public sector.Mo matou | About usThe 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 leaveLife, Income Protection and Critical Illness insurance for permanent employeesFlexible working arrangementsA supportive environment where you can grow your career and capabilityThe opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference for New ZealandersMe pehea te tuku tono | How to apply:Ready to help shape Marlborough's transport future? Please click apply link and upload your CV and cover letter.Ra 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.NZTA| 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.