Senior Policy Planner: Shape Growth with Flexible Work

Waimakariri; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Waimakariri District Council in Rangiora (near Christchurch) seeks a Senior Policy Planner to shape the district's future growth through strategic policy development and regional planning initiatives.

You will lead complex policy projects, engage with iwi, regional partners, developers and the community, and provide expert planning advice across the organisation to ensure sustainable, well‑planned growth aligned with the district vision.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Planning, Resource Management, or a related discipline.
• Membership of, or eligibility for membership with, the 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Policy planning

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Communication

Research & analysis

Education

Tertiary qualification in Planning/Resource Management

NZPI membership eligibility

Job description

Waimakariri District Council in Rangiora (near Christchurch) seeks a Senior Policy Planner to shape the district's future growth through strategic policy development and regional planning initiatives.

You will lead complex policy projects, engage with iwi, regional partners, developers and the community, and provide expert planning advice across the organisation to ensure sustainable, well‑planned growth aligned with the district vision.