Senior Planner

Auckland Council; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 102,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid work

Extra annual leave

Professional development

Supportive team

Impactful projects

Job summary

Auckland Council in Auckland is seeking a Senior Planner to help shape the future of our city through the Resource Consents Group, with hybrid roles based in Central Auckland or Manukau.

You will assess and process resource consent applications, provide planning advice, present at hearings, and mentor developing planners while collaborating with mana whenua, consultants, and stakeholders. The role requires a tertiary planning qualification and NZ driver’s licence.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Planning or Resource Management.
• Planning experience in local government, consultancy, or similar.
• Strong knowledge of the Resource Management Act 1991.
• Excellent case management, analytical and decision-making skills.
• Ability to communicate confidently with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience coaching or mentoring colleagues.
• Full or restricted New Zealand driver's licence.

Responsibilities

• Assess and process resource consent applications with robust, balanced outcomes.
• Provide sound planning advice and recommendations for sustainable growth.
• Present reports at Council hearings as a reporting planner.
• Occasional expert witness appearances and leadership responsibilities when needed.
• Support, mentor, and share knowledge with developing planners.
• Review and decide on resource consents under delegated authority.
• Collaborate with applicants, consultants, mana whenua, and stakeholders to achieve best outcomes.

Skills

Planning experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Stakeholder engagement

Driver's licence

Education

Planning/Resource Management degree

Job description

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• Hybrid roles with flexible working based in either Central Auckland or Manukau
• Help shape the future of Auckland
• Competitive salary of $102,000 to $130,000, plus KiwiSaver contributions

Auckland is growing, evolving, and transforming at an unprecedented pace. As a Senior Planner in our Resource Consents Group, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the places where people live, work, and connect.

We are looking for experienced planners who are passionate about quality development outcomes, thrive on solving complex planning challenges, and enjoy supporting others to succeed. Whether your experience comes from local government or private practice, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while advancing your professional career.

We have full-time Senior Planner opportunities available across our Central Auckland and Manukau hubs.

In this role, you will:

• Assess and process a variety of resource consent applications, using your planning expertise to deliver robust and balanced outcomes.
• Provide sound planning advice and recommendations that support sustainable growth and development.
• Present reports at Council hearings and represent Auckland Council as a reporting planner.
• Pursue opportunities to appear as an expert witness and further develop your professional profile.
• Support, mentor, and share your knowledge with developing planners.
• Review and make decisions on resource consents under delegated authority.
• Collaborate with applicants, consultants, mana whenua, technical specialists, and community stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcomes.
• Step into leadership responsibilities when required, including acting as a trusted 2IC for your Team Leader.

This is an opportunity to combine technical excellence with leadership.

You are an experienced planner who brings both technical expertise and a collaborative mindset. You enjoy working through complex issues, building strong relationships, and contributing to a positive team culture.

You will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in Planning or Resource Management, preferably acknowledged by the New Zealand Planning Institute.
• Planning experience gained within local government, consultancy, or a comparable environment.
• Strong knowledge of the Resource Management Act 1991 and awareness of the evolving legislative landscape.
• Excellent case management, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• The ability to communicate confidently with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience coaching, mentoring, or supporting colleagues to grow and succeed.
• A full or restricted New Zealand driver's licence.

Most importantly, you will be motivated by making a positive difference and enjoy contributing to a team that values professionalism, integrity, and service.

At Auckland Council, you will be part of a diverse and collaborative team that values expertise, innovation, and continuous learning. We know our people do their best work when they feel supported, challenged, and empowered to grow.

What we offer:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• The option to purchase an additional week of annual leave
• Access to excellent professional development, mentoring, and training opportunities
• A supportive team environment where knowledge sharing and collaboration are encouraged
• The opportunity to contribute to projects that have a lasting impact on Auckland's future

Join us in shaping Auckland's future

Every consent we process contributes to the future of our region. If you are looking for a role where your expertise is valued, your growth is supported, and your work has a genuine impact on Auckland communities, we would love to hear from you.

Auckland Council is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and flexible workplace where everyone feels they belong.

We offer a range of employee benefits and proudly support flexible working options where possible.

View a snapshot of some of our employee benefits HERE

If you have any support or access requirements, please advise us when submitting your application so we can assist you.

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.