Principal Planner

As one of New Zealand's fastest-growing cities, Hamilton is undergoing significant transformation, creating exciting opportunities to influence how our city grows, develops and thrives for generations to come.

You'll join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and community impact. Together, we're on track to being one of New Zealand's leading community-focused councils, where everyone matters and every contribution helps shape the future of our city.

If you're looking for meaningful work, a supportive team, and the opportunity to make a real difference in your community, you'll find it here.

Job Description

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Reporting to a Team Leader within Urban & Spatial Planning, you'll play a pivotal leadership role within the team, providing expert technical guidance, strategic advice, and professional mentorship to planners across the organisation. You'll be recognised as a trusted subject matter expert and a key contributor to Hamilton's growth and development.

Working across a diverse portfolio, you'll lead high-profile planning projects, contribute to District Plan initiatives, support Fast-track developments, respond to Resource Management reforms, and provide planning expertise to Council-wide projects and strategic priorities.

What You'll Be Doing

• Providing expert technical leadership across complex planning projects and programmes.
• Leading multidisciplinary planning initiatives from concept through to implementation.
• Mentoring and developing planners to support capability growth and professional excellence.
• Providing strategic planning advice to Team Leaders, Unit Directors, elected members and stakeholders.
• Preparing high-quality reports, planning assessments, submissions, affidavits and Environment Court evidence.
• Representing Council in hearings, appeals and planning proceedings.
• Supporting the transition to, and implementation of, the new Planning Act and Natural Environment Act.
• Providing planning expertise across the new resource management system and the Resource Management Act while it remains applicable, alongside major plan change programmes.
• Building strong relationships with internal teams, government agencies, consultants, developers and community stakeholders.
• Managing consultant and supplier relationships to deliver quality outcomes and value for money.
• Identifying emerging planning trends and opportunities to strengthen Hamilton's future growth and development.

Hamilton City Council is committed to creating a high-performing, inclusive and supportive workplace where our people can do their best work.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Influence the future growth and development of New Zealand's fastest-growing city.
• Work on complex and city-shaping planning programmes.
• Join a collaborative and highly professional planning team.
• Contribute to nationally significant growth, infrastructure and planning initiatives.
• Continue your professional growth while supporting the development of others.

Qualifications

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

You are a highly respected planning professional who combines exceptional technical expertise with strong leadership, collaboration and communication skills. You enjoy supporting others to succeed and thrive on solving complex challenges within a dynamic and evolving environment.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• A Bachelor's degree in Planning, Resource Management, Urban Design or a related discipline.
• Full membership with the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).
• At least 10 years' planning and resource management experience, preferably within New Zealand.
• Extensive knowledge of the Resource Management Act and associated legislation.
• Proven experience leading and delivering complex planning projects.
• Experience representing organisations in the Environment Court and planning hearings.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing skills.
• High levels of political awareness and strategic thinking.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and developing planning professionals.
• Sound project management, risk management and financial oversight capability.

Additional Information

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

We invest in our people, their wellbeing, and their future. That's why we offer a range of benefits designed to support you both inside and outside of work, including:

• We support flexible ways of working that balance individual wellbeing, team and business needs. And great outcomes for our community.
• We support professional development and opportunities to grow your career.
• Two wellbeing days each year to focus on what matters most to you (after one year of service).
• Fully funded Unimed health insurance, including hospital and surgical cover, with discounted rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccinations.
• The option to purchase additional annual leave for greater flexibility.
• Eye care support, including reimbursement towards eye testing and prescription glasses.
• Access to a wide range of local discounts, including gyms, healthcare providers, retail stores, and more.

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Applications close on the: 10/11/2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.