Strategic Transport Planner – Auckland/Northland

New Zealand Government; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

NZTA|Waka Kotahi is seeking a Principal Planning Advisor to shape the long-term strategy for New Zealand's land transport in Auckland and Northland. Based in Auckland or Northland, you will lead regional planning, collaborate with local government, and guide investment decisions within the RLTP framework while aligning with central government priorities.

You will bring systems thinking, proven stakeholder engagement, and the ability to translate complex evidence into clear strategic guidance for

Qualifications

• Proven expertise applying systems thinking to complex issues.
• Significant experience with local government planning or projects.
• Strong experience in leading, influencing and building credibility with a diverse range of senior internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to translate complex issues and evidence into clear strategic direction and advice.
• Strong relationship and engagement skills, with the confidence to represent NZTA and contribute effectively across government and the wider transport sector.
• Experience navigating complex environments, identifying system improvements, to enable our partners to achieve their aspirations.

Responsibilities

• Lead thinking and analysis on complex system and place-based challenges and opportunities, bringing a strong systems perspective to regional planning.
• Shape investment in Auckland and Northland, for NZTA and with local government projects.
• Develop Regional Land Transport Plans, support spatial plans and help develop the 30 transport plan for Auckland, aligning planning with NZTA's long-term goals.
• Work across NZTA and with central government agencies, local authorities, transport partners, stakeholders and communities to align strategic direction, evidence, outcomes and priorities across the wider land transport system.
• Lead NZTA engagement with RLTPs and contribute to key planning documents and collaboration with local government.

Skills

Systems thinking

Local government planning

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Policy translation

Relationship building

Job description

NZTA|Waka Kotahi is seeking a Principal Planning Advisor to shape the long-term strategy for New Zealand's land transport in Auckland and Northland. Based in Auckland or Northland, you will lead regional planning, collaborate with local government, and guide investment decisions within the RLTP framework while aligning with central government priorities.

You will bring systems thinking, proven stakeholder engagement, and the ability to translate complex evidence into clear strategic guidance for