• 3 year fixed term full time role
• Become a trusted senior at one of Tāmaki Makaurau's largest employers
• Flexible and hybrid role with onsite office days

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Council has an opportunity for a Senior Planner to join the Waste Solutions team in 3 year fixed term full-time role.

We’re seeking a Subject Matter Expert to provide strategic oversight and detailed site assessments for the development of the Resource Recovery Network (RRN). With your expertise, you’ll identify and evaluate potential sites, addressing planning constraints, and offer specialist advice to enable Waste Solutions to design cost-effective, sustainable solutions. Your input will be crucial in securing regulatory approvals for Community Recycling Centres (CRCs), Resource Recovery Parks (RRPs) and supporting infrastructure.


You can expect to work daily on the following:

• Lead site identification and assessment for the Resource Recovery Network (RRN), collaborating with council property divisions and external agencies to identify suitable council-owned or leased sites.
• Develop strategic planning options that address key sensitivities, constraints, and council objectives, ensuring alignment with RRN goals.
• Manage resource consent processes, ensuring compliance with zoning, planning, and consenting requirements for CRCs, in collaboration with the Senior Programme Manager and Senior Project Engineer.
• Negotiate and establish agreements with Auckland Council, Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs), and private developers to deliver defined project packages and drive effective collaboration.
• Oversee reporting and communication across council, synthesising expert input and preparing advice.

Please view the position description here


He kōrero mōu: About you


We’re looking for a proactive, strategic thinker with a strong passion for sustainability and a deep commitment to Council’s goal of zero waste by 2040, promoting a circular economy and climate change mitigation. You will have wide-ranging project management experience, particularly in managing and resolving complex and competing demands to achieve workable solutions.


You’ll be an exceptional communicator and relationship builder, able to engage with a wide range of stakeholders—from elected officials to community groups and private sector partners—bringing people together to achieve shared goals.


We will be looking for:

• A tertiary qualification in Planning or similar, acknowledged by the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) as eligible for full membership Training or certification in project/programme management
• 5 + years’ experience in planning with at least 5 years in local government
• Strategic thinking and decision-making ability, with experience managing interdependencies, navigating ambiguity, and driving critical decisions in dynamic environments.
• Deep knowledge of the Resource Recovery Network (RRN) concept, including detailed insights into Community Recycling Centre operations and their wide-ranging impacts.
• Proven ability to engage and present compelling arguments to a wide range of audiences, including elected members, community groups, mana whenua, stakeholders, and private sector organisations, both in person and remotely.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer


As an Auckland Council employee, you will have access to a fantastic range of benefits, including financial and health services, store discounts, and discounted membership with our leisure centres.

Auckland Council is one of the largest local authorities in the South Pacific providing essential services and facilities to more than 1.6 million people. We are progressive socially, culturally and environmentally while we work towards creating change having an impact on our journey to becoming a world-class city for our ratepayers and residents. In return for your hard work, you can expect a flexible and supportive work environment.

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini. My success is not mine alone, but the success of many.
If you’re ready to take ownership of exciting projects and deliver real results, we want to hear from you! Apply now and make an impact.

Tono Mai: Apply Now!
Applications close: Friday 29th November


#workingforauckland #fixedtermwork #fulltimework #seniorplanner #planning


Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.


Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.