About us

Waimakariri District is one of New Zealand’s fastest‑growing regions, home to more than 69,000 residents who enjoy a rare blend of rural charm and urban convenience. Just 30 minutes north of Christchurch, our district offers vibrant townships, stunning natural landscapes, and an enviable lifestyle. It’s a great place to live, work, and play.

Working for the Waimakariri District Council means having the opportunity to make a real difference. We are professional, approachable, and solutions‑focused in the way we serve our community and support its ongoing growth.

We are committed to delivering high‑quality services that support the wellbeing of our residents and the long‑term sustainability of our environment.

The opportunity

As our Team Leader Planning Strategy, you will coordinate and deliver Council’s input into a wide range of statutory and non‑statutory planning processes, including district plan work, strategic growth planning, and cross‑agency initiatives.

You will also play a pivotal role in leading Council’s readiness and response to Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms, ensuring our organisation is well‑informed, prepared, and strategically positioned.

This is a newly created role, giving you the chance to shape how the team operates, influence district‑wide planning direction, and mentor highly skilled planning professionals.

Leadership Capability

You are a confident, grounded leader who leads from the front—setting clear expectations, modelling the behaviours you expect, and creating a team environment built on trust, openness and accountability. You build strong relationships quickly and communicate with clarity, even when dealing with competing views, complexity or change.

You are skilled at navigating difficult conversations and resolving conflict constructively. Your team sees you as steady and fair, and others across the organisation trust your judgement. You motivate people by being supportive, transparent and responsive, and your leadership style adapts to the needs of both the work and the individuals you lead.

You balance technical detail with big‑picture thinking, communicate confidently with senior leaders, elected members and stakeholders, and comfortably take ownership of recommendations and outcomes.

What you’ll be responsible for

• Leading and coordinating Council’s contribution to statutory and non‑statutory planning documents.

• Overseeing the preparation of high‑quality reports, assessments and recommendations.

• Guiding Council’s implementation and response to RMA reform.

• Allocating internal and external planning resources and maintaining a clear work programme.

• Ensuring planning projects meet legislative requirements and follow contemporary best practice.

• Attending Council and public meetings as required.

• Providing leadership, coaching and support to Principal, Senior and Policy Planners.

• Modelling Tā Mātou Mauri and WDC values in all interactions.

About you

• Relevant tertiary qualification in planning, resource management or a related field (Level 7+).

• Approximately 9–10 years’ planning experience.

• Proven ability to manage projects and workflows.

• Clear, confident written and verbal communication skills.

• Adaptive, solutions‑focused approach.

• Strong leadership capability and the ability to bring out the best in others.

Why join Waimakariri District Council?

• Influence district‑wide planning at a strategic level.

• Join a respectful, progressive organisation that values innovation.

• Contribute to a district experiencing significant growth and opportunity.

• Work in a collaborative environment with meaningful community impact.

• Enjoy the lifestyle benefits of working locally without a city commute.

Ready to take the next step?

If you would like to find out more about this exciting opportunity, for a confidential chat please contact Matthew Bacon, Resource Development Planning Manager on 0800 965 468 (0800 WMK GOV).

Please click here to view a copy of the position description. (NB – this link is not compatible with LinkedIn, if required please access via our website: https://careers.waimakariri.govt.nz/#jobs)

If you have the skills, attitude and qualification for this position, then get in touch because we want to hear from you!

Applications close at 5pm Sunday 15 March 2026.

The Council is an equal opportunity employer.