Senior Policy Planner: Shape Communities & Environment

Nelson City Council; Nelson; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson City Council’s Policy Planning team leads complex resource management planning and policy projects, shaping Nelson’s spatial, land use and natural environment planning frameworks under new legislation, ensuring plans, policies and bylaws are high‑quality, practical and legally sound.

You’ll guide statutory processes, support plan changes and variations, and provide clear, evidence‑based advice to decision‑makers.

Qualifications

• You’re an experienced policy planner who can simplify complex issues for diverse audiences.
• Must have a tertiary qualification in planning, environmental management or a related field.
• Senior experience in RMA policy, plan making and bylaw development.
• Strong understanding of New Zealand planning frameworks and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to planning and policy projects, ensuring timely and strategically aligned outcomes.
• Develop, review and implement policies, plans, strategies and bylaws that are practical, fit-for-purpose and legally compliant.
• Provide robust, evidence-based planning and resource management advice to support sound decision-making.
• Oversee statutory processes including consultation, engagement and decision-making requirements.
• Manage and contribute to plan changes and variations to Nelson's Resource Management Plans.
• Ensure environmental bylaws are accurate, up-to-date and compliant with statutory obligations.
• Prepare clear, concise reports, presentations and communications for a range of audiences.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, iwi/Māori, central government and external stakeholders.
• Present expert evidence in hearings, tribunals or the Environment Court when required.
• Identify and manage risks, escalating appropriately.
• Maintain up-to-date technical knowledge and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Mentor and support team members, contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team culture

Skills

Policy planning

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Project leadership

Policy advice

Education

Planning degree

Job description

Nelson City Council’s Policy Planning team leads complex resource management planning and policy projects, shaping Nelson’s spatial, land use and natural environment planning frameworks under new legislation, ensuring plans, policies and bylaws are high‑quality, practical and legally sound.

You’ll guide statutory processes, support plan changes and variations, and provide clear, evidence‑based advice to decision‑makers.