Environmental Planner

Join us at New Plymouth District Council

Tūhono mai ki Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu

Who are we? - Ko wai mātou?

Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu - New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) is dedicated to serving our community and enhancing the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit here.

We are guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and are committed to fostering partnerships that respect and celebrate our district's rich cultural heritage.

Through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, we aim to deliver exceptional services and initiatives that support our vision of building a thriving, connected, and future-focused district.

At Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and dynamic organisation that values people, creativity, and progress.

The opportunity - Te āheinga

Are you passionate about shaping sustainable communities and keen to help shape the future of New Plymouth District?

We are seeking an experienced planner to join NPDC's Resource Consents Team on a one year fixed-term contract (parental leave cover).

In this role you will take ownership of your own caseload of resource consent applications ensuring robust, well-informed decision making that aligns with planning policy and statutory requirements.

You will also provide clear, professional and helpful planning advice to applicants and stakeholders.

Key responsibilities - Ngā haepapa matua

• Assessing and processing resource consent and related planning applications in accordance with the Resource Management Act and other relevant legislation
• Providing planning advice in response to enquiries from the public and other stakeholders such as applicants and their agents
• Checking building consent applications for compliance with planning provisions
• Preparing robust assessment reports in line with relevant legislation and policy requirements
• Maintaining accurate file management
• Actively upholding statutory obligations and Council policies, maintaining high standards of professional integrity and accountability
• Ensuring a high standard of customer focus

Essential skills and experience - Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako

• Tertiary qualification related to resource management or land use planning
• Sound knowledge of the Resource Management Act and other relevant legislation
• Practical experience and competency in Resource Management legislative processes
• Effective performance and delivery within a political environment
• Demonstrated organisational and time management skills
• Willingness to learn and take accountability for own actions
• Experience in building positive relationships with customers and stakeholders
• Computer literacy
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Driver's licence

Why Taranaki? - He aha ngā hua o te rohe nei?

Taranaki is a region like no other, offering a perfect balance of career opportunities and lifestyle. Nestled between the stunning Mounga Taranaki and the sparkling Tasman Sea, it's a place where you can explore world-class hiking trails, surf pristine beaches, and enjoy vibrant arts and culture, all within minutes of each other.

The region boasts affordable living, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family.

Whether you're seeking adventure, tranquillity, or a bit of both, Taranaki provides an unparalleled quality of life that will make every day feel extraordinary.

What we offer - Ngā ratonga

At New Plymouth District Council, we aim to create and sustain a truly rewarding workplace environment for our staff.

This includes:

• Supportive team environment
• Learning and development opportunities
• Personal and professional growth
• Our Peoples Package spans five key pillars:
  
  Wellbeing, Development, Benefits, Culture, and Recognition

You can expect to start in this one year fixed term, full-time role with a salary of between $82,491 and $88,906.

Why join us? - Ngā hua o tō hono mai?

We value the wellbeing of our team and provide an inclusive workplace that recognises and rewards your contributions. Together, we're building a better New Plymouth - one step at a time.

Applications close Sunday, 4 January 2026.

Be part of a council that values people, culture, and opportunity.

Me tūhono mai koe kia tautoko i te Ngāmotu o āpōpō

Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu 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.