Recreation Planner

• Are you an inquisitive, solution & people focused Recreation Planner?

• Are you looking for a better lifestyle in a semi-rural, close knit and rapidly growing community?

• Do you seek the challenges of working on strategic outcomes for our community and environment?

The Waimakariri District Council are looking for a new Recreation Planner with the ability to work effectively across a wide range of issues and enable a customer-focused environment. The Waimakariri District is one of the fastest growing Districts in New Zealand and the third largest, by population, in the South Island. This brings with it abundant challenges across a diverse range of areas. As a Council, we promise to be professional, approachable and solutions-focused when providing for our community.

Positioned within the Design and Planning Team, this role will be working with a friendly, sociable and motivated Greenspace Unit within a highly engaged, positive Council environment.  As an experienced professional, the role requires someone who is motivated, able to deliver high‑quality work, and committed to supporting the development of our Landscape Planner.

You will help shape the future of our District by driving the planning and policy work that underpins high quality public places and spaces. You’ll provide expert urban design and strategic planning input across key Council processes, including the Long-Term Plan, District Plan, and subdivision reviews, while developing recreation focused solutions that deliver great outcomes for our communities. You’ll also offer up to date advice on relevant legislation, respond to property and landscape planning enquiries, and contribute to the preparation and review of reserve management plans and Greenspace policy documents. An understanding of recreation planning, landscape and urban design principles would therefore be an advantage

The Council offers a competitive salary and a genuinely rewarding role where your work will make a real difference in the community. Located just 20 minutes north of Christchurch, the Waimakariri District provides an attractive mix of small town and rural living with excellent access to the city as well as great outdoor recreation.

For more information, contact Grant Stephens, Greenspace Design and Planning Team Leader, on 0800 965 468 or grant.stephens@wmk.govt.nz.

Applications close 15 March 2026.

The Council is an equal opportunity employer.