Team Leader Development Planning

Waimakariri District Council; Rangiora; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative team environment

Opportunity to shape growth in a fast‑

Lifestyle benefits of living in Rangit

Job summary

Waimakariri District Council is seeking a Team Leader Development Planning to lead a capable team in Rangiora. You will oversee development planning activities, manage private plan changes, and support Environment Court appeals while guiding residential developer liaison.

You will mentor planners, build strong relationships with stakeholders including mana whenua and elected members, and contribute to shaping growth and long-term planning outcomes for the rapidly growing district.

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.
• The ability to lead people, influence outcomes and navigate complex planning issues with confidence.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across a broad range of development planning activities, including private plan changes, Environment Court appeals, and residential developer liaison program.
• Lead, mentor and support planners while building strong relationships with developers, elected members, mana whenua, stakeholders and the wider community.
• Shape growth outcomes and help deliver the District's long-term planning objectives.

Job description

Full Time | Permanent | Rangiora based

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

Waimakariri District is home to 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.

Applications close on Sunday 13 September 2026.

The Council is an equal opportunity employer.