Senior Planning & Environment Lawyer

Simpson Grierson; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Career development opportunities

Wellbeing programme

Employer of Choice

Job summary

Simpson Grierson in Wellington is seeking a Senior Associate or Senior Solicitor with strong experience in resource management and environmental law to join our Planning and Environment team. You will work on nationally significant projects across New Zealand and collaborate with councils, central government agencies, and private proponents of major infrastructure, urban development, and energy projects.

You will have opportunities to contribute to high-profile urban development and

Qualifications

• Strong experience in resource management and environmental law.
• Experience advising public and private sector clients on major projects.

Responsibilities

• Advise on resource management and environmental law matters.
• Work on urban development, infrastructure, and housing projects.
• Prepare and lead planning policy and plan changes.
• Litigation and appeals before RMA and local government bodies.
• Collaborate with councils, government agencies, and private sector clients.

Skills

Resource management

Environmental law

Job description

Simpson Grierson has an exciting opportunity to join our nationally recognised Planning and Environment team, based in our thriving Wellington office. Our team operates across New Zealand and is involved in many of the country's most significant planning and consenting projects, as well as providing input and advice on he significant resource management system reform.

We are looking for a Senior Associate or Senior Solicitor with strong experience in resource management and environmental law. The team advises a diverse client base across the public and private sectors, including councils, central government agencies, and private sector proponents of major infrastructure, urban development and energy projects.

You will have opportunities to work on high-profile urban development and infrastructure projects, housing developments, freshwater and environmental management, strategic planning and policy development, plan changes, and RMA and local government litigation and appeals. The work is varied, challenging, and nationally significant.

Our team has an exciting pipeline of work for 2026 and beyond, including fast track projects and supporting clients as they implement and operate within the new resource management framework. We offer high levels of support from engaged partners and senior lawyers who are leaders in their field. We operate as a highly collaborative team across our three offices, with a strong, inclusive culture that we are proud of and want all team members to be part of.

Simpson Grierson operates a hybrid working model, and we are open to discussing other flexible working arrangements where needed. You will also benefit from the firm’s outstanding professional and career development opportunities, a comprehensive wellbeing programme, and excellent benefits. We are an award-winning Employer of Choice, recognised for our culture and our commitment to putting people first.