Open Spaces Planning and Development Manager

Rotorua Lakes Council - Where nature meets innovation

Are you ready to combine the best of both worlds? Rotorua Lakes Council offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to work in a place where nature's beauty intersects with innovation. Enjoy the convenience of lakeside living and the thrill of mountain biking while contributing to groundbreaking projects like the Sir Howard Morrison Centre, Aquatic Centre Revitalisation, and Rotorua Lakefront Redevelopment. Immerse yourself in our rich bicultural heritage and collaborate with Te Arawa, our local iwi, all while being part of a council that's dedicated to culture, people, and connections.

Toitū te marae o Tāne, Toitū te marae o Tangaroa, ka toitū hoki te marae o te tangata! When the domain of the forests and the waters endure, so will humankind!

This is an integral role within our Parks and Open Spaces team, which provides high quality sporting and recreation opportunities and natural/park environments which will contribute significantly to community activity and to the positive reputation of Rotorua and its uniqueness.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and high performing professional to collaborate with users and key partners to lead a planning and development team for producing and managing outstanding recreational places and open spaces for residents and visitors. You will set strategies, policies, development plans and operational plans for the play, active recreation and sports network to optimise opportunities for everyone to be active in high quality open spaces and facilities.

We are looking for someone who brings strategic and innovative thinking, strong planning skills, and a proactive approach to stakeholder engagement. The role requires excellent relationship-building and communication abilities, proven open space operational management experience, and well-developed leadership and staff management skills. High emotional intelligence and the ability to provide clear, confident guidance are essential.

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Te Kaunihera o nga Roto o Rotorua (Rotorua Lakes Council) is committed to working in partnership with Te Arawa, our local iwi. We aspire to being a bicultural organisation and we value staff who speak te reo Māori, have an appreciation of Māori values, and a working knowledge of tikanga Māori.

Sound like you? Click the Apply Now button below.

Applications close at 8:59pm on Tuesday, 30 September 2025