Principal Planners | Flexible

Job Description

We are looking for up to 12 planning professionals for full-time fixed term positions to deliver standardised plan content under the proposed Planning Act being progressed by the Government. 

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of New Zealand's planning system. 

This role is available for an immediate start through to 11 December 2026 for a secondment or fixed term.

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the role   

The Blueprint for RM Reform seeks to achieve greater standardisation of provisions across the country. Standardisation is critical to achieving the shift in the system to make it more efficient and provide greater certainty for system users. 

Standardisation will include nationally standardised zones, overlays and district wide provisions for the Planning Act. 

You will be responsible for delivering the following for consultation:  

• a suite of zones, overlays and other planning provisions as national standards under the Planning Act  
• supporting material including a Regulatory Impact Statement, and  
• an evaluation report setting out the rationale for the proposed provisions and how these meet the requirement of the Act.  

You will lead 1-2 working groups of 4-7 planning practitioners, including policy and consenting planners from local government and central government policy professionals. Working groups will be focused on developing, testing and delivering a suite of planning provisions that support the shift required in the planning system. A suite of provisions may include (for example) residential zone ‘chapters', industrial zone ‘chapters' or standards for noise, vibration and temporary activities.  

There will also be a requirement to undertake wider engagement with local government, iwi Māori and industry stakeholders. 

As the content lead, you will be responsible for: 

• Weekly reporting updates to the Standardised Plan Content Manager 
• Working with the project coordinator and project manager to coordinate working groups, identify risks, and keep the project plan up to date 
• Chair working group meetings and ensure robust, fair and collaborative discussions 
• Undertake research as agreed by the working group 
• Identify any needs for technical support, and work with the Manager to commission these requirements 
• Draft planning provisions, including objectives, policies, rules and standards in the templated form and in accordance with the style guide and Act requirements, in collaboration with the working group 
• Draft a Regulatory Impact Statement that meets the requirements of MfE, in collaboration with the working group 
• Draft an evaluation report setting out how the proposed provisions meet the requirements of the legislation1 and implement national policy direction, and setting out any matters the responsible Minister must consider when making decisions on National Instruments 
• Work with others to integrate across zones, overlays and other provisions 
• Work with the E-Plan team to ensure technical compliance 

In addition, you may be required to: 

• Attend meetings with ministers to update on, or present the proposals 
• Present progress reports to senior MfE officials 
• Undertake engagement with stakeholders 
• Undertake engagement with PSGEs and other iwi Māori groups 
• Undertake workshops to engage with a wider range of local government representatives 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience   

• Proven experience leading district plan policy development, including drafting provisions across a range of chapters 
• Strong understanding of resource management, and an ability to think strategically and creatively 
• Ability to interpret new legislation 
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, with a track record of building trust and influencing at all levels, including being able to represent different views  
• Excellent communication skills – written, verbal, and visual – with the ability to simplify complexity. 
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-change environment with competing priorities. 
• Awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and commitment to working in partnership with Māori 

Desirable Skills 

• Understanding of the machinery of government and public sector environments a benefit. 
• Project management experience. 
• Experience in mentoring staff and building capability. 

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range for this role is $142,185 to $172,853 pa.  Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.  

Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE  

• a flexible working approach to embrace a healthy work-life blend 
• agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as ‘One MfE' 
• active employee networks including Māori Rōpū, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network 
• opportunities for development and education.           

Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.  

Tono ināianei | Apply now  

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter.  Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.     

If you require further information about this position please contact Sally Morison at sally.morison@mfe.govt.nz.  The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.  

The location for this role is flexible which means you can work anywhere in New Zealand and there is an option to work from home.  As a flexible friendly employer, we are happy to discuss solutions that may work for you and the business.  We value and care about enabling our people to work in a way that means they can work at their best.   

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture.  We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.  We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.   

We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all.  Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you.  Please contact us at vacancy@mfe.govt.nz if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.  

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.  

Note: for internal permanent kaimahi who are applying for a secondment, you must speak with your Manager before submitting your application.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:   Monday 19th January 2026 @ 5pm

Interviews will take place in the week beginning 2nd February 2026.