- Support policy, plan development, and hearings work
- Build your career in a supportive planning team
- Flexible working and development opportunities
Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury
As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.
The region’s evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.
Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services:
Council plays an important role in responding to national legislation and policy changes – this mahi is part of our operating environment and is embedded in our everyday mahi. The current proposals from central government are significant, and Council is working through the opportunities and implications. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment).
Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role
We are looking for a Graduate Planner to join our planning team in a structured entry-level role. This position will support policy and plan development work and provide hearings and plan process support as part of learning how regional planning work is developed, tested, and progressed. You will work alongside experienced planners on meaningful projects and gain exposure to the practical, technical, and procedural parts of planning in Canterbury.
- Support policy and plan development work across the team
- Assist with written material, research, and planning support tasks
- Help prepare material for hearings and other formal processes
- Work with planners and technical specialists to support quality outputs
- Learn how planning work is developed and progressed in practice
Mōu │ About You
You will be motivated, reliable, and ready to build your planning career in a collaborative environment. You will enjoy writing, have strong attention to detail, and be willing to learn from feedback. We are looking for someone who brings a professional approach, communicates clearly, and is keen to contribute to work that matters for Canterbury.
Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience
- A degree in planning or law, completed or near completion
- Strong written communication and attention to detail
- A willingness to learn, take feedback, and improve
- A reliable and professional approach to work
- An interest in policy, plan development, and formal planning processes
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
Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Applications close on 3 June 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
