Senior Policy Planner

Waimakariri District Council; Rangiora; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Professional development

Flexible work arrangements

Region-shaping projects

Job summary

Waimakariri District Council, based in Rangiora, is seeking a Senior Policy Planner to help shape the district's future within New Zealand’s fastest growing areas. This role leads policy development and strategic growth planning, guiding major projects from inception to implementation.

You will work with the Planning Strategy Team to deliver statutory and non-statutory planning programmes, engage with iwi, regional partners and the community, and provide expert advice across the organisation to

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Planning or related discipline.
• NZPI membership or eligibility required.
• At least 5 years' policy planning experience.
• Strong knowledge of the Resource Management Act.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy development and strategic growth planning projects.
• Manage complex planning projects from inception through to implementation.
• Contribute to other strategic growth work and land use planning.
• Undertake research, analysis (growth model data), and evidence-based policy development.
• Build strong relationships with tangata whenua, regional partners, stakeholders, and the wider community.
• Provide professional planning advice to Council, management, and external parties.
• Prepare reports, present recommendations, and participate in public consultation processes.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Collaboration

Policy analysis

Education

Planning degree or equivalent

NZPI membership or eligibility

Job description

Full Time | Permanent | Rangiora based

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

• 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 Christchurch, 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.