• Lead policy and plan development work for Canterbury
• Help shape planning through major system reform
• Flexible working and professional development support

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

Waitaha - our Canterbury region - is like no other and we are proud to call it home. We have the privilege of working with Papatipu Rūnanga, stakeholders and our wider community to protect our environment, including water, land and air through regulation and planning. As a Regional Council we’re responsible for flood protection, public transport, civil defence, and more.

Together we’re taking action to shape a thriving and resilient Canterbury, now and for future generations. Toitū te marae o Tāne, toitū te marae o Tangaroa, toitū te tangata | if the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive.

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

We are looking for three Senior Planners to join our planning team at a significant time of change. These roles will help progress policy and plan development work as the Government’s new planning framework is implemented in Canterbury. You will contribute to regional planning direction, prepare robust planning content and supporting material, and provide clear written advice to support decision-making. This is an opportunity to work on complex and meaningful planning issues with a team committed to quality, sound judgement, and practical outcomes.

• Lead policy and plan development work under the new planning framework
• Prepare written advice, briefings, recommendations, and supporting material
• Work with technical specialists to ensure planning work is practical and evidence-based
• Support consultation and formal processes, including hearings-style processes
• Build constructive relationships with councils, mana whenua, and stakeholders

Mōu │ About You

You will be a capable and thoughtful planner who enjoys working through complex issues and turning them into clear, well-structured planning material. You will bring strong writing skills, sound professional judgement, and a steady approach to delivering high-quality work within timeframes. You will also be someone who works well with others and can maintain productive relationships across a range of perspectives.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience

• A degree in planning or law
• Relevant New Zealand planning, policy, or statutory experience
• Strong writing skills and the ability to explain complex matters clearly
• Sound judgement and a practical approach to problem solving
• The ability to manage competing tasks and maintain quality under pressure

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | Working at Environment Canterbury

Our mahi is underpinned by our values:

• Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)
• Pononga (integrity)
• Manaakitanga (people first)
• Whanaungatanga (collaboration)
• Māiatanga (can do)

We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment. We value everyone’s contribution, diverse thinking, and skills.

We’re on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work. We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey.

Ko ētahi atu kōrero | Additional Information

Applications close on 20 April 2026. Applications will be reviewed as we receive them, and interviews may take place before the close date. We reserve the right to close advertising early.

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.

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can