Principal Strategist - Growth and Spatial Planning

Auckland Council; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 123,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Extra week of leave

Job summary

Auckland Council’s Policy Department is seeking a Principal Advisor, Growth and Spatial Strategy to shape Auckland’s urban form over the next 30 years. The role advises on integrated planning and growth opportunities, influencing central government and legislation.

You will lead complex strategies, manage diverse teams on high-impact projects, and provide strategic advice to decision makers amid uncertainty, with a focus on collaboration and impact.

Qualifications

• You have demonstrated experience in strategic urban planning including developing regional growth and spatial strategies within large organisations.
• You must be able to demonstrate proficiency in leading the development of complex strategies related to regional growth and spatial planning.
• You must be able to lead diverse project teams on high impact, politically sensitive projects.
• You must provide sound strategic advice to decision makers on issues with uncertainty.

Responsibilities

• leading the development of complex strategies related to regional growth and spatial planning
• leading diverse project teams working on high impact and politically sensitive projects
• providing sound strategic advice to decision makers on issues where there is uncertainty

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

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Principal Strategist - Growth and Spatial Planning

• Shape decisions on Auckland’s future urban form
• Join a supportive and collaborative team
• Flexible working and option to purchase an extra week of leave

Auckland Council’s Policy Department has a fantastic opportunity for an experienced strategic spatial thinker to join us as a Principal Advisor, Growth and Spatial Strategy.

This position will advise on a range of issues that will shape Auckland’s urban form over the next 30 years. It also has a key role in supporting the council achieve integrated solutions to make the most of opportunities presented by Auckland’s growth.

You could expect to work on:

• the development of Auckland’s regional spatial plan under the new Planning Act 2026
• ensuring the integration of urban and infrastructure planning
• advocating Auckland’s strategic growth position to central government and responding to legislative reform

You have demonstrated experience in strategic urban planning including developing regional growth and spatial strategies within large organisations. You are able to rise above the planning detail and turn diverse information from various sources into compelling strategic advice. We will value your strong people skills and your ability to apply political acumen.

You must be able to demonstrate proficiency in:

• leading the development of complex strategies related to regional growth and spatial planning
• leading diverse project teams working on high impact and politically sensitive projects
• providing sound strategic advice to decision makers on issues where there is uncertainty

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.8 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

View a snapshot of some of our employee benefits HERE

Applications close: Wednesday, 14 October 2026

Please note that the formal job title of this role is Principal Advisor Growth and Spatial Strategy. Find a copy of the position description HERE

This role has a remuneration range of $123,000 to $142,000

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.