Shape the Future of Kaipara - Senior Planner & Principal Planner Opportunities

Play a key role in guiding the future of one of Aotearoa's fastest-growing and most naturally stunning coastal districts—home to golden beaches, rolling green hills, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming communities. Our high-performing Resource Consents team is looking for two experienced planners to join us—one stepping into a Senior Planner role, and the other as our Principal Planner. These are key positions in a tight-knit, future-focused team where your expertise will make a real difference.   

About the roles

Based in beautiful Mangawhai, you'll work on a diverse range of resource consent applications and provide trusted planning advice to applicants, stakeholders, and colleagues.

• Senior Planner - You'll be the go-to for complex applications, helping shape quality development outcomes across the district. You'll also play a key role in mentoring junior planners, sharing your knowledge and supporting their growth. This is a great opportunity to step into a leadership role while still being hands-on with interesting and varied planning work.
• Principal Planner - This is a strategic leadership role where you'll guide planning practice across the team, provide technical oversight, and represent Council at hearings. You'll be instrumental in driving continuous improvement, shaping policy interpretation, and ensuring our planning decisions reflect the district's long-term vision. If you're ready to influence at a higher level and lead with impact, this is the role for you.

Key Responsibilities - What You'll Be Driving

As part of our dynamic Resource Consents team, you'll be at the heart of shaping Kaipara's future. Whether you're guiding applicants through the planning process or helping refine our District Plan, your work will directly influence how our communities grow and thrive.

• Lead the way on complex resource consent applications - bring your expertise to the table and help deliver smart, sustainable development outcomes across a diverse and fast-growing district.
• Deliver insightful, practical planning advice - support applicants, stakeholders, and colleagues with clear, solution-focused guidance that reflects both policy and community values.
• Mentor and uplift your team - share your knowledge, provide technical input, and help grow the next generation of planners through peer reviews and coaching.
• Be a trusted voice in pre-application discussions - help shape proposals early, resolve tricky consent queries, and ensure smooth, informed decision-making.
• Contribute to the evolution of our planning framework - support the ongoing operation, monitoring, and refinement of the Kaipara District Plan to keep it responsive and future-ready.

What's in it for you?

Aside from our fantastic location, Kaipara District Council offers a fun, inclusive and forward-thinking team environment.  In addition, we also offer:

• Full-time and part-time opportunities available, with flexible work options to suit your lifestyle
• Relocation assistance for the right candidates to settle into the region
• Competitive salary
• Genuine opportunities for professional development and career progression
• Health and wellbeing initiatives, including wellbeing challenges
• Fresh fruit and espresso in the office
• 1 paid day off per year to volunteer in the Kaipara community
• Staff healthcare, banking and retail discounts
• 5 weeks Annual Leave after 5 years' service

Did we mention the amazing lifestyle?

Kaipara is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing coastal districts, and it's easy to see why. From the surf breaks and white sand beaches of Mangawhai, to the peaceful harbours of Dargaville, and the rural charm of Maungaturoto and Kaiwaka, the district offers a lifestyle that's both laid-back and full of adventure.

Whether you're into surfing, fishing, hiking, or simply soaking up the sun, Kaipara has something for everyone—plus open roads, no city traffic, and easy access to both Auckland and Whangārei. It's the perfect blend of professional opportunity and coastal lifestyle.

What You'll Bring - And How We'll Back You

We're looking for planners who are passionate about shaping great places and confident navigating both rural and urban environments. If you're motivated, curious, and ready to grow, we'll support you every step of the way.

• A relevant tertiary qualification in planning, resource management, or a related field
• Solid experience with resource consents and planning legislation—you understand the RMA and can apply it with confidence
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills—you're someone who listens, thinks creatively, and finds practical solutions
• Confidence working across diverse landscapes—from coastal subdivisions to rural developments, you're adaptable and thoughtful in your approach
• NZPI membership (or eligibility)—and if you're working towards it, we'll help you get there

If you're an experienced planner looking for your next challenge, or someone who's nearly ready to step into a senior role and keen to grow—we'd love to hear from you. We're open to conversations and committed to helping the right people thrive.

How to Apply  

Ready to make a difference? Apply now via the link to access our Careers Website. Be sure to include a cover letter specifying which role you're applying for.

If there's anything we can do to support you through the application process, please let us know when you apply.

For more information, contact Kevin Whitehead, P&C Talent Acquisition Partner, at careers@kaipara.govt.nz.    

Please note that the preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment checks, including criminal history and police vetting checks.