Senior Policy Planner

Location: Central City

Join a team of talented, passionate professionals who are strategic thinkers, outcome‑focused, and highly collaborative. We have an opportunity for a Senior Policy Planner to help deliver a programme of policy and planning projects that will shape the future of our city - ensuring Christchurch is sustainable, resilient, and prepared for the challenges ahead.

About the team | Ko te rōpū nei

Sitting within the Planning & Consents Unit, you will be part of a dynamic planning and policy team which has responsibility for spatial planning (urban and rural) and place‑making through local area planning, maintaining the Christchurch District Plan, responding to national direction, strategic transport and urban regeneration.

About the role | Ko te mahi nei

You’ll advise elected members and colleagues on a wide range of planning and policy matters, while working directly with key stakeholders and the community to identify emerging issues and opportunities across the city and wider district.

As a Senior, you will:

• Lead planning and policy projects
• Provide strong technical planning input
• Support and mentor team members
• Represent Council in planning matters where required
• Play a key role in building capability across the team and supporting high‑quality policy outcomes.

You bring a strong background in policy planning and the ability to work confidently in the local government environment. You will also have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in planning, resource management, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of the Resource Management Act and Local Government Act
• Experience preparing or presenting planning evidence (Environment Court experience is advantageous)
• An analytical mind, strong communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of partners
• Demonstrated project leadership, solid technical capability, and a desire to mentor others.

What's in it for you? He aha ngā hua ki a koe?

Want to be involved in shaping your City? Here at the Council we know our strength comes from our people, working together as one team to create results. When you join us, you're getting involved first hand, and contributing to crafting the Christchurch community. You will also benefit from:

• Access to training programmes, workshops, and development opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements - WFH, adjustable start and finish times, option to purchase extra leave.
• Collaboration - exposure to wider areas of the organisation
• Benefits - a variety of benefits for Council staff from health schemes to retail discounts.

If this sounds like an interesting opportunity, you think you have what it takes and want to get involved in shaping our City then please apply today.

At the Christchurch City Council, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways.

We understand that recruitment processes can be challenging. If you require any support or adjustments to help you put your best foot forward, please reach out to us atjobst.nz

• Hours of work - 37.5 - 40 hours per week
• Position - Permanent
• Location - This position is primarily based at Te Hononga, Christchurch City Council Civic Offices - 53 Hereford Street
• Salary - The salary band for this position goes from $115,466 to $128,295 per annum based on a 40 hour week. Starting salaries will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, and relativities both, within the immediate team and in the broader organisation for the same or similar roles.
• Closing Date - 1/02/2026

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the close date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad before the advertised close date.

Reference # 41524

Posted on 14 Jan 2026

Closes on 01 Feb 2026 23:55

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