Senior Policy Planner

Taituarā; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Waimakariri District Council is seeking a Senior Policy Planner to join the Planning Strategy Team. You will shape long-term plans, oversee growth initiatives, and provide expert policy advice across the organisation.

In this role you will lead complex projects, engage with elected members, iwi, government agencies, developers, and the community to ensure growth is well-planned and aligned with the District's long-term vision.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in Planning, Resource Management, or a related discipline.
• Membership of, or eligibility for membership with, the NZ Planning Institute (NZPI).
• At least 5 years' experience in policy planning, ideally within local government, consultancy or a legislative environment.

Responsibilities

• Leading policy development and strategic growth planning projects.
• Managing complex policy projects from inception through to implementation.
• Contributing to other strategic growth work and land use planning.
• Undertaking research, analysis (including growth model data), and evidence-based policy development.
• Building strong relationships with tangata whenua, regional partners, stakeholders, and the wider community.
• Providing professional planning advice to Council, management, and external parties.

Job description

Are you an experienced Planner looking to help shape the future of one of New Zealand's fastest growing districts?

At Waimakariri District Council, we're seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Senior Policy Planner to join our Planning Strategy Team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in long-term planning projects that will influence how our district grows and develops for generations to come.

About the Role

As a Senior Policy Planner, you'll contribute to the development and review of key planning frameworks, including the upcoming regional spatial plan and strategic growth initiatives. You'll lead complex policy projects, undertake research and analysis, engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, and provide expert planning advice across the organisation.

The Planning Strategy Team is focused on delivering Council's statutory and non-statutory strategic planning programmes, leading Waimakariri District Council’s response within regional spatial planning initiatives. This includes undertaking background research and evidence gathering, working closely with regional partners and developing a strong understanding of growth trends through monitoring, analysis, and forecasting.

You’ll work alongside elected members, Iwi, Government agencies, developers, consultants, and the community to help ensure growth is well-planned, sustainable, and aligned with the District's long-term vision.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading policy development and strategic growth planning projects
• Managing complex planning projects from inception through to implementation
• Contributing to other strategic growth work and land use planning
• Undertaking research, analysis (including growth model data), and evidence-based policy development
• Building strong relationships with tangata whenua, regional partners, stakeholders, and the wider community
• Providing professional planning advice to Council, management, and external parties
• Preparing reports, presenting recommendations, and participating in public consultation processes.

About You

• To be successful in this role, you'll bring:
• A tertiary qualification in Planning, Resource Management, or a related discipline.
• Membership of, or eligibility for membership with, the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).
• At least 5 years' experience in policy planning, ideally within local government, consultancy or a legislative environment.
• Strong knowledge of the Resource Management Act and local government planning processes.
• Excellent project management, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills.
• Experience analysing complex information and translating it into practical planning outcomes.
• A collaborative approach and a passion for delivering quality outcomes for communities.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Flexible-working arrangements that support work-life balance.
• The chance to work on meaningful, region-shaping projects with a high-level of influence and impact.

Located just 20 minutes north of Christie, Waimakariri offers the perfect blend of career opportunity and lifestyle. Enjoy affordable living, vibrant communities, and easy access to beaches, rivers, mountain ranges, cycle trails, with all the amenities of Christchurch right on your doorstep.

Applications close at 5.00pm on 18 October 2026.

Please note that applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.