Statutory Planner

Job No: 110675
Location: Whanganui

  • Fantastic opportunity to grow your career with an innovative local council
  • Make a difference in the ongoing development of a vibrant, multicultural community
  • Competitive remuneration circa $57,000 - $85,000, plus significant relocation assistance for international candidates
  • Recent graduates welcome to apply

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

Whanganui District Council now has an excellent opportunity for a Statutory Planner to join their diverse and supportive team on a full-time basis. Council encourages applications from Planners of all skill levels, including recent Graduates.

Reporting to the Planning Team Leader, this position will primarily see you processing resource consents and providing advice on matters concerning the Resource Management Act 1991. This will include:

  • Researching and preparing reports with recommendations on land use and subdivision;
  • Interpreting and maintaining an up-to-date understanding of the requirements of the Resource Management Act;
  • Supporting and advising senior members within Council on resource management issues to enable informed decision making;
  • Assessing Building Consent applications for planning compliance and providing planning advice on LIMS (Land Information Memorandum);
  • Undertaking planning enforcement action as required under the Resource Management Act; and
  • Preparing and presenting evidence when required at the Environment and District Courts.

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 town planning or a closely related discipline; or a lesser formal qualification and substantial experience in the town planning field, preferably in the local government sector. Ideally, you will have membership of an international planning institute, or be willing to attain this during your employment with Council.

Familiarity with the local government environment will be highly regarded, as will an understanding of the history of Whanganui. 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-level customer service skills, and the ability to engage with both internal and external stakeholders of all levels and all walks of life. You will need the negotiation skills necessary to secure the best planning outcomes for the local community.

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 $57,000 - $85,000, commensurate with your 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, and 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.

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

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

Apply Now

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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.