Policy Planner

Job No: 110570
Location: Whanganui

  • Excellent opportunity for a qualified Policy Planner with an innovative local council
  • Play a key role in the ongoing development of a vibrant, diverse community
  • Competitive remuneration circa $62,000 - $90,000, plus generous relocation assistance for international candidates

About Whanganui and the District Council

Whanganui District Council provides services for the approximately 45,000 residents of the Whanganui District area, located on the south-west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. They are committed to protecting and preserving their exceptional heritage and beautiful environment, whilst working with the community to drive significant social and economic growth.

In 2014 Council established Whanganui and Partners, which is a council controlled organisation that acts as the economic development agency for the district. Together they plan to continue their work on making the district an innovative, progressive, and culturally diverse place for both current and future residents.

Whanganui is perfectly situated for the best of both worlds - only a 2 ½ hour drive north from New Zealand’s buzzing capital city Wellington, an hour flight from Auckland, or an hour and a half drive from stunning Mount Ruapehu and Mount Tongariro. Surrounded by mountains, a beautiful natural landscape, dramatic west coast beaches and unspoilt native bush for tramping and wilderness trips, you won't be lost for things to do in this vibrant community.

To read more about Council and their future vision, click here.

For more information about life in Whanganui, visit the Council website here.

About the Opportunity

Due to ongoing population growth, Whanganui District Council now has an opportunity for a Policy Planner to join their team on a full-time basis. 

Reporting to the Planning Manager, this position will see you preparing plan changes and variations to the District Plan and other associated planning policy work to ensure it remains up to date and effective. This will be achieved by:

  • Undertaking evidence-based research on environmental or community issues, and preparing reports on these for Council and committee meetings;
  • Interpreting and maintaining an up-to-date understanding of the requirements of the Resource Management Act;
  • Providing professional advice and judgment to Council staff, developers, and the general public on often complex and controversial planning issues;
  • Ensuring all work is compliant with legislative requirements and standard operating procedures; and
  • Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with other statutory and non-governmental organisations and community groups.

For more information and the full list of responsibilities, please view the position description.

Further information or any questions relating to the role can be directed to Hamish Lampp on +64 3 493 022 or hamish.lampp@whanganui.govt.nz

About You 

Suitable candidates will hold tertiary qualifications in Planning or Resource Management, along with demonstrated experience in a relevant area. Ideally you will have a New Zealand Planning Institute membership, membership with an equivalent international planning institute, or be willing to attain this during your work with Council.

Familiarity with the local government environment will be highly regarded, as will an understanding of the history and principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. You will have or be able to obtain a working knowledge of the local protocols for liaising with Iwi, and have an awareness of the local political climate and culture.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills will be pivotal to your success in this position. This includes high emotional intelligence and the ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders of all levels and all walks of life.  

About the Benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a passionate team who are committed to improving an already vibrant and innovative community. 

In return for your hard work and dedication, you will receive an attractive base salary of $62,000 - $90,000, commensurate with your level of experience. Council is also offering significant relocation assistance, with up to $10,000 towards flights, freight and initial settlement costs for candidates from Australia, Asia, or the Pacific, and up to $15,000 to candidates from elsewhere in the world.

If applying from overseas, negotiable accommodation assistance and the use of a rental car can be provided in the first two weeks of your arrival, to further assist with your transition. NZ Citizens will further benefit from Kiwisaver entitlements.

Council encourages its staff to enhance their capabilities and achieve high levels of performance, as such ongoing personal and professional development and opportunities for career development will be provided.

Whanganui is a vibrant, tight-knit community, and residents enjoy affordable housing, beautiful architecture, and an abundance of outdoor activities. You can enjoy the best of both worlds, living a short distance from larger cities like Wellington, whilst benefiting from the lack of traffic and easy access to ski slopes, beaches, and great fishing locations.

If you're ready to tackle a new challenge in a stunning location, with a forward-thinking Council - Apply Now

Apply Now

Personal Details * Required field

  1. Digits only or add + for international numbers

  1. (Please click on your profile and copy the URL from your profile page.)

Questions

Our District

Whanganui District is located on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand.

Our district is bounded by the Ruapehu District to the north, the Rangitikei District in the east, the Tasman Sea in the south, and the South Taranaki and Stratford District in the west.

The Whanganui River is New Zealand's longest navigable river, stretching for 290km from the slopes of Mount Tongariro to the Tasman Sea.

The Whanganui River Road runs through the Whanganui District which includes the small river settlements of Matahiwi, Ranana, Jerusalem and Pipiriki.

Most of Whanganui's population (48,000 and growing) lives in the central urban area at the mouth of the Whanganui River, but there are also rural communities spread around our district.