Principal Planner - Resource Consents

• Provide specialist planning advice and support to the resource consenting North-West unit
• Hybrid role with flexible working based in Albany
• Salary will be $123,000 to $158,000 + KiwiSaver contribution

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to make your mark as a Principal Planner in one of the largest planning teams in the Southern Hemisphere. You will be working closely with the Resource Consents Manager to deliver an efficient, effective, and comprehensive resource consent service by providing specialist planning advice on consenting matters across the North-West Unit.

No day is the same, one day you may be working on a resource consent application, or appeal, and another day mentoring new planners or assisting with the implementation of new legislation.

Joining a team of technical experts, you will be driving planning and resource management best practice through the collaborative management and delivery of innovative continuous improvement initiatives across the Auckland region. You will be working with and mentoring a world-class team as you review complex applications, manage hearings, appeals and objections, coordinate responses to issues such as legislative change, and more. You will also be helping Council effectively contribute towards the delivery of our Māori Responsiveness Plan for Tāmaki Makaurau.

Click Link to access the position description.

He kōrero mōu: About you

You will be a Planner with considerable experience in all aspects of resource consents and planning application processing, including the RMA and local government legislation. You will have a tertiary qualification in urban planning, environmental management, or another relevant discipline, and ideally hold NZPI membership. You will have some exposure to tangata whenua and Te Tiriti o Waitangi issues, and a desire to work with Māori and within Māori paradigms.

This role will see you working collaboratively across Council, as well as with other agencies and communities, so strong relationship and stakeholder management skills are necessary. You will have proven experience in finding innovative solutions to complex technical issues and maintain a strong customer-focus in your work. As this position will require you to occasionally travel around the region using Auckland Council vehicles, you must hold a valid NZ driver’s license.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

We offer flexible working arrangements and a competitive salary. You will be joining a team of dedicated and respected experts working collaboratively across the region to contribute to Auckland’s growth and development. We are committed to diversity, and have a culture built on trust and valuing individual as well as collective contributions.

We also offer:

• Career progression, development opportunities; opportunities to change career directions
• A fantastic learning environment with in-house training and development from one of the best staff training functions in NZ
• Opportunities to work from both home and our central Auckland office as well as a range of staff benefits available to Council employees
• Be involved in a diverse variety of exciting and high-profile projects
• Networking opportunities across Auckland Council, CCO’s and the development sector
  

Applications close on Sunday 29 November 2026 at 11:59pm.

However, please note that early applications are encouraged as interviews will be conducted as and when applications are received – so apply now to avoid disappointment.

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.