Graduate 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 a recent planning graduate ready to launch your career in a role that makes a real impact on your community?

Join our dynamic Planning and Development team as a Graduate Planner, where you'll be supported to grow your skills while contributing to the effective administration of our District Plan and other key planning legislation.

Reporting to the Planning Supervisor, you'll gain hands-on experience processing resource consent applications, interpreting planning regulations and providing clear, helpful advice to the public. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply your studies in a practical setting, develop your professional confidence and be part of a team that values learning, collaboration and innovation.

We're looking for someone who's curious, community-minded and ready to take the first step in their planning career. If you're passionate about shaping the future of our district and keen to learn from experienced professionals, we'd love to hear from you!

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
• Demonstrated organisational and time management skills
• Willingness to learn and take accountability for own actions
• Computer literacy
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Driver's licence
• Ability to read and understand legislation, policy and technical detail including building and development plans

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:

• Solid career pathways
• 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 permanent, full-time role with a salary of between $76,621 – $82,579.

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 Monday, 1 December 2025.

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.