Team Leader Development Planning

Waimakariri; Rangiora; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Waimakariri District Council in Rangiora seeks a Team Leader Development Planning to drive growth and shape long-term planning outcomes for a fast-growing district. The role leads private plan changes, Environment Court appeals, and the residential developer liaison programme, guiding the district's development strategy.

You will lead, mentor and support planners while building strong relationships with developers, elected members, mana whenua and stakeholders in a collaborative,

Qualifications

• Relevant planning, resource management or related qualification.
• Significant planning experience, ideally within local government or consulting.
• Experience in development planning, private plan changes, plan implementation or consenting.
• Strong relationship management and communication skills.
• Ability to lead people, influence outcomes and navigate complex planning issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across development planning activities including private plan changes.
• Lead, mentor and support planning staff.
• Build strong relationships with developers, elected members, mana whenua and stakeholders.
• Help shape growth outcomes and deliver long-term planning objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Relationship management

Planning expertise

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Planning qualification

Job description

Full Time | Permanent | Rangiora based

Help shape the future of one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts

Waimakariri District is more than 69,000 residents and continues to experience significant growth and development. Located just 30 minutes north of Christchurch, we offer the opportunity to make a real difference while enjoying an exceptional lifestyle.

The Opportunity

This is a newly created leadership role, established to strengthen our Development Planning capability and support the increasing complexity of planning projects across the District.
As Team Leader Development Planning, you will provide leadership across a broad range of development planning activities, including private plan changes, Environment Court appeals, and Council's residential developer liaison programme. You will play a key role in shaping growth outcomes, supporting quality development, and helping deliver the District's long-term planning objectives.
Working alongside a highly capable team, you will lead, mentor and support planners while building strong relationships with developers, elected members, mana whenua, stakeholders and the wider community.

About You

You're an experienced planner who combines technical expertise with strong leadership skills. You build trusted relationships, communicate with confidence, and enjoy working through complex planning issues to achieve practical outcomes. Key skills include:

• Relevant planning, resource management or related qualification.
• Significant planning experience, ideally within local government or consulting.
• Experience in development planning, private plan changes, plan implementation or consenting.
• Strong relationship management and communication skills.
• The ability to lead people, influence outcomes and navigate complex planning issues with confidence.

Why join Waimakariri District Council?

• Shape development outcomes across a rapidly growing district.
• Join a respectful, progressive organisation that values innovation.
• Work in a collaborative environment with meaningful community impact.
• Enjoy the lifestyle benefits of working locally without a city commute.

Ready to take the next step?

If you would like to find out more about this exciting opportunity, for a confidential chat please contact Matthew Bacon, Development Planning Manager on 0800 965 468 (0800 WMK GOV).

Here to view a copy of the position description. (NB – this link is not compatible with LinkedIn, if required please access via our website: https://careers.waimakariri.govt.nz/#jobs)

If you have the skills, attitude and qualification for this position, then get in touch because we want to hear from you!

Applications close on Sunday 13 September 2026.

The Council is an equal opportunity employer.