Refer A Friend
Thank you for your interest in this position.
We have received your application from Indeed, so the first step of your application is complete.
To finish your application we will email you further details.
URBAN PLANNING LEAD
- Lead district planning, spatial planning and regulatory design
- Develop the team while strengthening capability across Council
- Shape how Kāpiti grows, develops and thrives
Supporting sustainable development and communities
Kāpiti Coast District Council leads and represents its community,
delivering day‑to‑day infrastructure, planning and services that support a
thriving environment, vibrant economy and strong communities.
The Council also plays a central role in shaping how people live, work and
connect across the district by providing essential services, facilities and
community infrastructure that support daily life.
The Strategy and Growth Group provides district‑wide strategic oversight, advising on how Kāpiti grows into the future and ensuring resilient, well‑designed development that meets current and future community needs. Its work ensures the district grows in a coordinated, future‑focused way, aligning land use, planning, housing and economic development to support sustainable, community‑centred outcomes over time
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
We are looking for an experienced policy planner who wants to shape the future of the Kāpiti Coast through district planning, spatial planning and regulatory system design. Reporting to the Urban Planning and Research Manager, the Urban Planning Lead will provide technical planning advice, guide changes to the District Plan, lead spatial planning initiatives, and ensure the planning system is effective, future‑focused and responsive. They will translate the aspirations of Kāpiti into practical planning tools, frameworks and processes that drive good growth and strong community outcomes.
In addition to this, the Urban Planning Lead will help mentor and grow a confident, high‑performing planning team and strengthen capability across Council through guidance, coaching and consistent practice. They’ll play an influential internal role, supporting collaboration and ensuring planning advice is aligned, trusted and future‑focused.
This role would suit someone who is highly strategic, adept at
navigating complex planning environments, has a high level of technical
experience in district planning, and is
committed to meaningful change through building capability and supporting their
team.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
The ideal candidate will have:
- Experience in a leadership role within local or central government planning, or the ability to demonstrate strong leadership capability and influence within a planning team
- Experience in planning across multiple topics and/or spatial planning and review and implementation of district plan and associated regulatory processes
- Resource management and strategy/policy development experience
- A tertiary qualification in resource management or urban planning
- Demonstrated sound political nous
- Effective communication skills including excellent written communication and verbal skills, with the ability to confidently communicate with a variety of audiences
- Have a problem solving and solutions-focused mindset, who can collaborate across Council teams.
- A high level of technical understanding of local authority planning requirements under the RMA.
KA KATI NGĀ TONO/ APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Monday, 6th April 2026
MŌ TE TONO, MŌ TE TIROTIRO TĀTAI TŪRANGA / APPLY OR VIEW THE POSITION DESCRIPTION: www.jacksonstone.co.nz
TAUPĀNGA /REFERENCE: BH-11555
ME HE PĀTAI ANŌ / FURTHER ENQUIRIES: Annalee Hoogeveen 04-550 8041 / 021 921 802