Corporate Planner

Help Shape the Future of Our Community

Are you passionate about strategic planning, public policy, and creating positive outcomes for communities? We're looking for an experienced and motivated Corporate Planner to join our Strategy & Growth team and play a key role in shaping the future direction of our district.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to major planning and policy initiatives, support community engagement, and help ensure Council meets its statutory obligations while delivering meaningful outcomes for residents and stakeholders.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Corporate Planning Manager, you'll work across a diverse range of strategic planning and policy activities that support Council's long-term vision and objectives. You'll collaborate with stakeholders, manage projects, facilitate consultation processes, and contribute to key planning documents that guide the future of our community.

What will I do?

• Support the development of Council's Annual Report, ensuring legislative compliance.
• Assist with the preparation and review of Long-Term Plans and Annual Plans.
• Support the development and review of Council policies and bylaws.
• Coordinate community engagement and consultation processes under the Local Government Act.
• Monitor and report on Council's strategic objectives and key performance indicators.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across planning systems and processes.

What will I bring?

We're looking for someone who combines strong planning expertise with excellent stakeholder engagement skills.

• Experience in corporate planning, strategic planning, policy development, local government, or a related field.
• Experience managing projects and supporting planning or policy initiatives.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively across a range of stakeholders and interests.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and delivering quality outcomes.
• An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, te ao Maaori and tikanga Maaori.

Why join our team?

We are at an exciting stage of our journey and are continuing to progress through a significant organisational transformation that is helping shape our future.

As our organisation evolves, you'll have the opportunity to influence how we work, contribute fresh ideas, and help build a collaborative and inclusive workplace where people can thrive.

We are committed to investing in our people and providing ongoing learning, development, and career growth opportunities to support your professional aspirations.

At Council, we're committed to creating Liveable, Thriving and Connected Communities. Our values underpin everything we do and guide how we work together to deliver positive outcomes for our district.

When you join us, you'll enjoy:

• Meaningful work that contributes directly to your community.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Opportunities to learn, grow and develop professionally.
• The chance to influence strategic decisions that shape the future of the district.
• A workplace committed to innovation, continuous improvement and positive community impact.

If you're a strategic thinker who enjoys turning complex information into meaningful plans and policies while engaging with diverse stakeholders, we'd love to hear from you!

Additional information:

Salary circa $110K dependent on skills and experience.

Waikato District Council offers a range of benefits to employees:

• Free parking.
• Annual performance and remuneration reviews.
• Subsidised health insurance.
• Birthday leave.
• One work life balance day for every 6 months (after 12 months).
• Employee assistance program.
• Wellbeing program.
• Free health checks, training and education during our annual Work Safe Home Safe event.
• Boost program for discounts and special offers at New Zealand retailers and service providers.

Please note we will be screening applications as they come through.

We have a strong safety culture and as part of this our preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment medical assessment which includes alcohol and drug testing.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Apply now!

Application closing date: Tuesday, 6th of October 2026 at 12:00am.

To apply for this job, please go online to www.joinourteam.co.nz and enter the job code 39488LGC.