Programme Director | Waitaha Canterbury Regional Spatial Plan

Taituarā; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 169,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

Christchurch City Council is seeking an exceptional Programme Director to lead the Waitaha Canterbury Regional Spatial Plan. This full‑time, fixed‑term role (approx 24 months) focuses on coordinating a major regional planning programme across councils, mana whenua, and stakeholders to deliver sustainable growth and well‑being.

You will provide independent leadership, navigate ambiguity and drive delivery of a coordinated programme of work with governance, reporting, risk and assurance

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading large, multi‑agency programmes.
• Strong governance, reporting and risk management capability.
• Extensive relationship management and facilitation skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice to governance bodies, chief executives and senior leaders.
• Lead establishment and delivery of the Regional Spatial Plan programme.
• Develop governance, reporting, risk and assurance frameworks.
• Build trusted relationships across councils, mana whenua and partners.
• Coordinate multiple workstreams and inputs across agencies.
• Drive alignment and momentum in a complex, multi‑agency environment.

Skills

Leadership

Programme management

Governance

Relationship management

Stakeholder engagement

Policy & legislation

Spatial planning

Public sector experience

Job description

Programme Director | Waitaha Canterbury Regional Spatial Plan

Help shape the future of Waitaha Canterbury

Across our rohe, councils, mana whenua, communities, infrastructure providers and government agencies are preparing for significant change. New planning legislation will introduce a Regional Spatial Plan for Canterbury, creating a significant opportunity to influence how our region grows, connects and thrives for generations to come.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to join this transformative journey as the Programme Director, Waitaha Canterbury Regional Spatial Plan. This is a full-time, fixed-term opportunity for approx 24 months to lead one of the most significant planning initiatives Canterbury has seen in decades.

Working across organisational and geographic boundaries, you will bring people together, navigate complexity and provide the leadership and programme management needed to deliver a coordinated regional planning programme that supports sustainable growth and long-term wellbeing.

As Programme Director, you will provide independent leadership for the establishment and delivery of the Waitaha Canterbury Regional Spatial Plan. Working alongside participating councils, mana whenua partners, government agencies, technical experts and stakeholders, you will turn strategic objectives into a well-coordinated and achievable programme of work.

Key responsibilities include:

• Being accountable to and providing strategic advice to governance bodies, Chief Executives and senior leaders.
• Leading the establishment and delivery of the Regional Spatial Plan programme.
• Developing governance, reporting, risk and assurance frameworks.
• Building trusted relationships across councils, mana whenua and strategic partners.
• Coordinating multiple workstreams and specialist inputs.
• Driving alignment and momentum across a complex multi-agency environment

You will be a highly experienced leader with a strong background in planning, local government and programme delivery. You'll be comfortable navigating ambiguity, influencing without authority and bringing people together to achieve shared outcomes.

To succeed in this role, you'll bring:

• Significant experience leading large-scale, complex programmes involving multiple organisations and stakeholders.
• A strong background in local government, spatial planning, strategic planning, growth management, infrastructure, policy or a related field.
• Exceptional programme and project management capability.Sound understanding of governance, public sector decision-making and legislative frameworks.
• Highly developed relationship management, facilitation, negotiation and communication skills.
• Experience providing advice and reporting to senior leaders and governance groups.
• The ability to translate evolving policy and legislative requirements into practical delivery outcomes.
• A collaborative approach and genuine commitment to partnership, including working alongside mana whenua.

Experience in spatial planning, integrated land use and infrastructure planning, resource management, or working in partnership with iwi and hapū will be highly regarded.

This is a rare opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for Canterbury.

You’ll play a key role in bringing together diverse perspectives, establishing regional priorities, and developing a planning framework that supports thriving communities, sustainable development and intergenerational wellbeing.

If you’re motivated by purpose, enjoy working collaboratively and have the experience to lead a regionally significant programme, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us and help deliver a plan that will shape how Waitaha Canterbury grows and prospers into the future.

We understand that recruitment processes can be challenging. If you require any accessibility support to apply for this role, please reach out to us at [e-mail]

• Hours of work - Full time
• Position - Fixed term, two years
• Location - This position is primarily based at Te Hononga Civic Office, 53 Hereford Street
• Salary - The salary band for this position goes from $169,117 to $187,908 per annum based on a 40 hour week. Starting salaries will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, and relativities both, within the immediate team and in the broader organisation for the same or similar roles.
• Closing Date - Sunday 11th October 2026

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the close date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad before the advertised close date.