Senior Policy Planners

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

Shaping our future | Kōmiria te anamata

Nelson City Council is undertaking one of the most significant local government transformations in New Zealand. Through Shaping Our Future, we’re organising ourselves around the people and communities we serve, getting clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the years ahead. We’re also working more closely with iwi, neighbouring councils and other partners to deliver better outcomes for Whakatū Nelson. Our new structure is in place, and we’re now recruiting for the roles that will bring it to life.

This isn’t a one-off change. It’s the foundation for a council that keeps improving, and we’d love you to help build it.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

The role sit within Council’s Policy Planning team and leads complex resource management planning and policy projects. You’ll help shape 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. You’ll also mentor colleagues, strengthen planning capability, and contribute to a high‑performing team navigating significant reform and change.

This is a role where your technical expertise, judgement and ability to collaborate directly influence Nelson’s long‑term environmental and community outcomes.

You will:

• Lead and contribute to planning and policy projects, ensuring high‑quality, 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

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You’re an experienced policy planner who enjoys complex work and can make it simple for others. You’re confident leading statutory processes, building relationships with iwi and stakeholders, and giving clear, practical advice. You’re energised by the chance to help shape Nelson’s planning framework under the new system and to share your expertise with others.

You'll bring

• 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’s planning, bylaw and resource management frameworks.
• Knowledge of plan making under the Planning Act and Natural Environment Act .
• Experience managing regulatory or process‑change projects.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and negotiation skills, including simplifying complex issues.
• Ability to work effectively with iwi and diverse stakeholders to develop practical solutions.
• Confidence using digital tools and data to monitor performance and improve outcomes.
• NZPI membership (preferred) or willingness to work towards it.
• Understanding of, or willingness to develop knowledge of, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance to planning.
• A current driver license.