Graduate Planner

Help shape the infrastructure and communities of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Are you graduating soon, or have you recently completed a planning qualification? Start your planning career in a collaborative, professional and supportive team, working on projects that matter to communities across New Zealand.

Build your career with Stantec

Stantec's 2026-2027 Graduate Programme is open for applications. Based in our Auckland office, you will join an established team of experienced planners and work alongside specialists from across Stantec on a diverse range of projects throughout New Zealand.

Your work could include road, rail and airport infrastructure; stormwater, wastewater and community water-supply projects; structure planning and statutory route protection; and essential community resilience and recovery work. You will support public and private clients, including organisations delivering some of New Zealand's major infrastructure projects.

Our planning team has recently been involved in major infrastructure projects for Watercare, NZ Transport Agency, KiwiRail and Auckland Council. We also work with ports and airport companies, transport network operators, land developers, and electricity generators and distributors.

What you will do

• Research and prepare planning assessments and Resource Management Act documentation, including resource consent applications, notices of requirement and assessments of environmental effects.
• Support the preparation or processing of plan changes, submissions and plan reviews.
• Work with senior planners to provide practical, best-practice advice to Stantec teams and a wide range of clients.
• Assist with community and stakeholder engagement related to planning projects.
• Work across the project lifecycle, from due diligence and concept development through to processing and decisions.
• Build your understanding of legislative reform, its implications and the opportunities it creates for clients and communities.
• Develop practical skills in project and client management while learning from colleagues across Stantec's professional disciplines.

What you will gain

• Graduate development. A nationally accredited, two-year graduate development programme.
• Competitive package. Competitive salary and employee benefits, including spot bonuses, banking discounts and an extra day of annual leave.
• Insurance. Health cover through Southern Cross Medical Insurance.
• Professional support. A mentoring programme to support your professional and personal development.
• Networking. Training and networking through Stantec's Developing Professionals Group (DPG) across New Zealand and Australia.
• Flexible and social. Flexible working arrangements, active social clubs and opportunities to connect with other graduates.
• Expert connections. The opportunity to collaborate with national and international experts on local, national and international projects.

What you bring

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in planning or a related field.
• A motivated, pragmatic and enthusiastic approach, with a genuine eagerness to learn and take ownership of your development.
• An interest in working with different professions and disciplines on a varied portfolio of projects.
• A practical, client-focused, can-do attitude and a sense of fun.
• A strong team ethic and commitment to high-quality work.
• Preferably, a full and current clean driver's licence.

About Stantec

Stantec's Community Development team in New Zealand brings together scientists, planners, ecologists, communications and engagement advisors, and landscape architects. Its growing group of more than 60 professionals supports projects across sectors, helping clients bring urban centres to life, transform brownfield sites, preserve cultural heritage and create places where communities can grow.

Stantec has served clients and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand for more than 125 years. Almost 900 professionals work across the country's main cities and regions, collaborating across buildings, energy, water, environmental and transport projects.

Globally, Stantec brings together more than 35,000 employees in over 450 locations across six continents. Our work spans initial project concept and planning through design, construction and commissioning.

Stantec’s DPG is a chapter-based peer network aimed at connecting employees across Stantec that are in the early stages of their careers - people with 10 years and less experience - to engage, shape, support, and to facilitate a culture of opportunity, as well as have a lot of fun!

Our DPG aims to foster a sense of belonging, where people can all meet and support one another in shaping the future of the company, their careers, and ultimately our communities.

Ready to start your planning career?

Apply for Stantec's 2026-2027 Graduate Programme and help deliver projects that support strong, resilient and connected communities.

• Applications close: Friday 6 October 2026 at 11:59pm

For CV, cover letter and application advice, visit: nz.prosple.com/graduate-employers/stantec/advice

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