Senior Planner at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

12 May, 26

Salary

133720.0

Posted On

11 Feb, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Resource Management Act, Regulatory Process, Community Consultation, Stakeholder Management, Written Communication, Oral Communication, Transport Sector Knowledge, Drafting Submissions, Presenting Evidence, Environmental Court Hearings, Te Ao Māori Understanding, Tikanga Promotion, Te Reo Māori Promotion, Te Tiriti o Waitangi Appreciation, Policy Work, Land Use Developments

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Apply your technical knowledge across the planning spectrum Fixed-term position until January 2027 Flexibility to be located at any of our NZTA offices Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity Our Poutiaki Taiao Environmental Planning team is the primary home of resource management planning expertise for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). We have an opportunity for a Senior Planner to join the team for a fixed-term (parental leave cover) until January 2027. As a Senior Planner, you will apply your technical knowledge to provide expertise in planning and consenting work streams and support across the organisation for statutory consents and approvals. Depending on the skills and experience you bring to the team, there are a range of workstreams you could be involved with, such as: Private plan changes and other policy work LUDs (sec 95 and Sec 176 responses for Land Use Developments) Emergency works (rainfall events in Northland) Assist principals with Roads of National Significance Other minor projects e.g. slips and State Highway repair works The role has great scope for building and working with key local stakeholders, as you partner with them to determine land use decisions. You'll be representing NZTA at hearings, community meetings and other forums, and provide advice and oversight to enable decision makers to make transparent and informed decisions. Find more information about the role here: Senior Planner position description. Appointment base salary is between $109,408 - $133,720 per annum (pro rata) commensurate to skills and experience. Ko koe tēnei | About you To be successful in this role, you will bring an understanding/experience in the following areas: Resource Management Act (RMA) regulatory process and an ability to communicate that process to non-RMA experienced people. Other relevant statutes including Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act, Wildlife Act and Conservation Act. Drafting submissions and evidence and presenting evidence at hearings, including environment court hearings. Working with internal and external stakeholders and managing relationships, including undertaking community consultation and engagement. Understanding of the transport sector and the role of the transport network is desirable Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to tailor communication styles appropriately to different audiences and situations. Tertiary qualification in planning or a related discipline (postgraduate is desirable). Full Membership (or working towards) of NZPI. You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector. Ko wai mātou | About us The Poutiaki Taiao/Environmental Planning teamwork with and for Aotearoa to influence quality development, safe outcomes and protect public investment in the transport system. We are a national team and work in a collaborative and transparent way to achieve national consistency and regional impact in the resource management space. Rā Katinga | Applications close: 24 February 2026 For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand. Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process. Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time. Ko wai mātou | About us At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. Waka Kotahi has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years time.

Responsibilities

As a Senior Planner, you will provide expertise in planning and consenting work streams and support across the organization for statutory consents and approvals. You will represent NZTA at hearings and community meetings, providing advice to enable informed decision-making.