Intermediate Planner - Environmental Planning

Poutiaki Taiao / Environmental Planning Team Multiple roles available Can be based in any NZTA office location Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity We are seeking Planners who are ready to take the next step in their planning career and progress into an Intermediate Planner role. This is an opportunity to broaden your scope, increase your level of responsibility, and further develop your technical, relational, and strategic planning capability within a supportive national team. As an Intermediate Planner, you will continue to contribute to third party planning processes while taking on greater autonomy, complexity, and influence. You will also support project and policy workstreams and provide input that helps shape consistent, high quality planning outcomes across the organisation. The role includes: Taking responsibility for more complex third party responses, including plan changes, land use and subdivision proposals Supporting project teams with planning advice across the transport project lifecycle Applying national consistency while responding to regional and local planning contexts Working closely with senior and principal planners, and project managers to manage risk and support sound decision making View the position description. Ko koe tēnei | About you This role is suited to Planners who are demonstrating the ability to operate at an Intermediate level. In particular, you will already be showing strength in the following areas: Applying statutory planning frameworks with confidence, including the RMA and key related legislation and national directions Managing increased complexity, including taking assessments of more complex LUDs and third party FTAA responses Navigating district and regional plans and beginning to contribute to policy and plan change processes Providing clear, well reasoned written advice, with increasing professional judgement and autonomy Supporting project and policy workstreams, with a sound understanding of the planning role within the project process Building and maintaining effective relationships with external suppliers, councils, iwi, applicants, and internal stakeholders Identifying and escalating risk appropriately, balancing delivery with operational efficiency of the transport network Demonstrating professional maturity, including commitment to ongoing development, ethics, and Te Tiriti informed practice. You will also bring: A tertiary qualification in planning or a related field NZPI and/or RMLA membership (or active progress toward membership) Knowledge of, or a commitment to strengthening your understanding of, Te Ao Māori, tikanga, Te Reo Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in a public sector context Ko wai mātou | About us The Poutiaki Taiao / Environmental Planning team is NZTA’s national centre of planning and resource management expertise. We work collaboratively to influence quality development, support safe and sustainable transport outcomes, and protect public investment. We actively support internal development and progression, value knowledge sharing, and work in a way that balances national consistency with regional impact. We offer: 5 weeks annual leave Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness insurance for permanent employees Flexible working arrangements A supportive environment where you can grow your career and capability The opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference for New Zealanders Me pēhea te tuku tono – How to apply: Please click the apply link and upload your CV and cover letter. Rā Katinga | Applications close: 6 September 2026 For further information, email: [email protected] 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.

The Intermediate Planner will manage complex third-party planning responses, including plan changes and land use proposals, while providing expert advice across the transport project lifecycle. They will collaborate with senior planners and project managers to ensure national consistency and sound decision-making in environmental planning outcomes.

Candidates must hold a tertiary qualification in planning or a related field and demonstrate experience applying statutory planning frameworks like the RMA. Membership with NZPI or RMLA is required or in progress, alongside a commitment to Te Tiriti informed practice.

• 5 weeks annual leave • Life insurance • Income protection insurance • Critical illness insurance • Flexible working arrangements

• Project managementPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Environmental planning
• Statutory planning
• RMA
• Resource management
• Policy development
• Land use planning
• Subdivision proposals
• Risk management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Technical writing
• Project management
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Te Ao Māori
• Strategic planning
• Influencing Skills
• Operational Efficiency
• Influencing Without Authority
• Te Reo Maori
• Ethical Standards And Conduct
• Treaty of Waitangi
• Planning
• Strategic Planning
• Decision Making
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Environmental Planning
• Land Use
• Project Management
• Systems Development Life Cycle
• Resource Management
• Transport Networks
• Web Accessibility Initiative
• Balancing (Ledger/Billing)

• Government & Public Sector
• Environmental & Sustainability
• Transportation
• Engineering
• Consulting
• Environmental Planner
• Environmental Planner / Scientist
• Environmental Protection Professionals
• Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Minimum education

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum experience

2+ years

Apply by

Sep 7, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week