Senior Planner

He angituutanga: The opportunity

Help shape the future of Hamilton

Are you an experienced planner looking for the opportunity to work on city-shaping projects while mentoring others and influencing the future growth of one of New Zealand's fastest-growing cities?

At Hamilton City Council, we're committed to improving the wellbeing of Hamiltonians and unlocking Hamilton's full potential. As a Senior Planner in the Planning Guidance Unit, which sits within the Strategy, Growth and Planning Group. Being the fastest growing city in the country, you’ll have the opportunity to play a critical role in delivering high-profile planning outcomes that support sustainable growth, vibrant communities, and a thriving city.

Hamilton is growing rapidly, and this role offers the chance to work on complex, challenging and rewarding developments that will have a lasting impact on our city. You'll join a collaborative and highly skilled team that values innovation, customer focus, and continuous improvement.

Reporting to the Planning Team Leader, you'll be one of our technical planners, processing complex resource consent applications, driving for great outcomes for the city. You’ll also mentor and support other planners across the team. You'll be a trusted advisor, providing expert planning guidance to internal stakeholders, applicants, elected members, and the wider community.

Key responsibilities include:

• Processing complex and city-forming resource consent applications.
• Leading pre-application and pre-lodgement discussions with applicants.
• Providing technical leadership, mentoring and guidance to other planners.
• Reviewing complex planning assessments and reports.
• Providing expert advice on District Plan and Resource Management Act interpretation.
• Supporting planning hearings and preparing evidence where required.
• Contributing to cross-Council projects and strategic initiatives that support Hamilton's growth and development.
• Working collaboratively across Council to deliver practical and customer-focused planning solutions.

We're looking for an experienced planning professional who combines strong technical expertise with excellent relationship-building skills.

You thrive on tackling complex challenges and finding balanced, workable solutions. You're customer-focused, commercially aware, and committed to delivering great outcomes for your community. You bring integrity, initiative, and professionalism to everything you do, while building strong relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders.

If you're looking for meaningful work, exciting planning challenges, and the opportunity to influence the future of a growing city, we'd love to hear from you.