Regional System Planner

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Insurance

Income Protection

Critical Illness Insurance

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking an experienced Regional System Planner to lead planning initiatives across Waikato and Bay of Plenty, coordinating with local government, iwi and stakeholders to develop a shared long-term transport view.

You will influence regional and national planning objectives and ensure outcomes are future-focused, evidence-based and deliverable, driving investment decisions and policy alignment across the sector.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in transport planning or strategic planning with ability to lead complex initiatives across multiple stakeholders.
• Strong experience in land-use and transport integration and spatial planning.
• Sound understanding of RLTPs, LTPs and spatial planning frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and influence planning work across Waikato and Bay of Plenty, aligning regional and national objectives.
• Develop long-term transport planning strategies and translate vision into practical outcomes.
• Collaborate with local government, partner agencies, iwi and stakeholders to shape transport system needs.

Skills

Transport planning

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Land-use integration

Spatial planning

Local government processes

Analytical thinking

Te Ao Māori awareness

Education

Planning/Transport planning/geography/public policy degree

Job description

Shape the future of transport by connecting people, places and long term planning.

• Permanent, full-time opportunity based in Waikato / Bay of Plenty
• Influence the future of New Zealand's transport system
• Build strong regional partnerships and shape long-term outcomes

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

At NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), we're looking for an experienced and influential Regional System Planner to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transport planning across New Zealand.

This is a strategic role where you'll lead and influence planning work throughout Waikato and Bay of Plenty, working closely with local government, partner agencies, iwi and stakeholders to develop a shared long-term view of transport system needs and priorities. You'll act as a key connector across NZTA and the wider sector, helping align regional and national planning objectives and ensuring transport outcomes are future-focused, evidence-based and deliverable.

You’ll have the opportunity to lead complex planning initiatives, contribute to regional spatial planning, influence investment and policy decisions, and foster strong partnerships that support better outcomes for communities across Aotearoa.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will Bring

• Extensive experience in transport planning, strategic planning, or related disciplines, with a proven ability to lead complex initiatives and influence outcomes across multiple stakeholders
• Strong experience in land-use and transport integration, spatial planning, and collaborative planning environments
• A sound understanding of local government planning processes, including Regional Land Transport Plans (RLTPs), Long-Term Plans and spatial planning frameworks
• Demonstrated success developing future-focused strategies and translating long-term vision into practical outcomes
• Highly developed relationship management, engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility across diverse stakeholder groups
• Experience coaching and mentoring others and contributing to capability development within teams
• Strong analytical thinking and the ability to use evidence, insights and future-focused thinking to support decision-making
• A relevant tertiary qualification in planning, transport planning, geography, public policy or a related field, or equivalent experience

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in the public sector.

Ko wai mātou | About us

At NZTA, it all starts with our people. We're focused on creating strategic clarity so that NZTA and the wider transport sector can deliver with confidence. Through strong partnerships, evidence-based decision-making and a future-focused approach, our System Leadership group helps shape the transport system outcomes New Zealand needs both now and into the future.

The Planning team provides leadership across the organisation's planning function, bringing together national, regional and local perspectives to define system priorities and support better decision-making. We work closely with local government and sector partners to develop integrated transport solutions that create lasting benefits for communities across Aotearoa.

• Along with our other benefits, we also offer the NZTA Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance scheme available to permanent employees.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

23 August 2026

For further information, email: [e-mail]

To 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.