Senior Planner

Queenstown Lakes District Council; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing plan

Discounted gym membership

Hybrid working practices

Training and career development

Job summary

Queenstown Lakes District Council is seeking a Senior Policy Planner to lead policy research, analysis, and development to support Council decision-making under NZ planning acts. You will draft policies, plan changes, and evidence for hearings, while guiding responses to district plan enquiries and statutory processes.

You will contribute to the RM reform programme, manage variations, and prepare planning evidence for hearings, in a growth-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in planning or related discipline.
• Membership of NZ Planning Institute or eligibility is preferred.
• Experience applying planning legislation in NZ is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy planning projects, researching, developing, and amending key District Plan components.
• Prepare high-quality planning reports, strategies, briefs, and evidence for Council, hearings, and the Environment Court.
• Apply the Resource Management Act and related legislation to provide robust policy advice.
• Contribute to the RM reform programme and planning reforms.
• Drive continuous improvement of policy planning systems and service delivery.
• Build strong collaborative relationships with internal teams, consultants, stakeholders and the community.

Skills

Policy planning

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Verbal communication

Public speaking

Project management

Policy reform awareness

Education

Planning degree or related discipline

NZ Planning Institute membership / eligibility

Tools

GIS for analysis

Job description

Senior Policy Planner (QT)

Live, work and play in Aotearoa New Zealand’s most spectacular setting.

No two days at Queenstown Lakes District Council are the same. Every day we provide services, facilities and programmes essential to the health and wellbeing of our people and environment, while stepping up to the challenges and opportunities that come with being New Zealand’s fastest growing territorial authority.

We’re proud to be QLDC. Our people are motivated by a shared purpose driven by care, connection and community. All our roles are at the heart of a dynamic and diverse set of communities where you will be making a genuine difference every day. Join us.

We’re looking for a Senior Policy Planner to join our knowledgeable team. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your skills and experience to our high performing team.

What you’ll be doing / He aha te mahi

As a Senior Policy Planner, you’ll lead policy research, analysis, and development to support Council decision-making under the Local Government Act, Resource Management Act and the new Planning reforms. You’ll draft and review planning policies, guidelines, strategies, plan changes, and technical reports, respond to District Plan enquiries, and prepare robust evidence for hearings and statutory processes.

You will be part of a team preparing for the reform programme as well as progressing “Plan Stop” Variations which have been granted exemptions as they contribute to facilitating efficient development. You will also be involved with Private Plan Change requests, including project management and opportunities to prepare planning evidence for Council hearings. QLDC is still experiencing high levels of growth, the policy team has a two-fold role at present, policy development under the RMA (including giving effect to the NPS UD) and preparing for the new reform programme.

• Lead and manage policy planning projects, including researching, developing, and amending key components of the District Plan.
• Prepare high-quality planning reports, strategies, briefs, and evidence for Council, hearings, and the Environment Court, ensuring statutory timeframes and quality standards are met.
• Apply the Resource Management Act and related legislation soundly and practically to provide robust policy advice and support effective plan administration.
• Contribute towards the RM reform programme and how the Council responds to this.
• Drive continuous improvement of policy planning systems, processes, and service delivery to support efficient and responsive planning outcomes.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams, consultants, stakeholders, and the wider community, representing QLDC professionally and positively

What you’ll bring to the role / Ko wai to Pukeka

Our ideal candidate is an experienced and motivated planning professional with a strong grounding in New Zealand planning legislation and a passion for shaping quality planning outcomes. You will bring sound technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and the confidence to engage with a wide range of stakeholders in both policy and consenting contexts. Analytical, innovative, and achievement-focused, you will thrive in a local government environment where collaboration and impact matter.

As we face significant change in the resource management system you will bring a positive mindset, and an ability to think strategically and navigate complex policy issues in a rapidly changing legislative environment.

• Tertiary qualification in planning or a related discipline, with membership of (or eligibility for) the New Zealand Planning Institute.
• Minimum 5 years’ practical experience applying the Resource Management Act 1991 and associated legislation.
• Experience working in policy planning, with exposure to consenting environments considered an advantage.
• Experience and confidence in presenting at hearings as an expert planner
• Proven involvement in district plan reviews or other planning policy projects within a New Zealand local government setting.
• Be comfortable working with ambiguity and evolving policy direction
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex planning matters to the public, professionals, and decision-makers.
• Experience using GIS for analysis and mapping, alongside the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.

What we offer / Ko a matou whakaratoka

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, wellbeing, and professional growth, including:

• Southern Cross Wellbeing One Plan (Full time, permanent only)
• Discounted membership to our health and fitness facilities
• Hybrid working practices
• Genuine commitment to your training and career development

Applications close: 17th September 2026.