Senior Resource Consent planner

Te tūranga | The Opportunity
Help shape the future of the Kāpiti Coast

Are you an experienced Resource Consents Planner ready to take the next step in your career?
Join Kāpiti Coast District Council's Resource Consents Team within the Strategy and Growth Group and play a key role in delivering high-quality planning outcomes that support sustainable growth across our district. This is an opportunity to work on a diverse range of developments while coaching and supporting other planners, influencing best practice, and helping shape the future of one of New Zealand's most desirable coastal communities.
We are seeking a motivated and customer-focused planning professional who is passionate about achieving positive outcomes for our community while maintaining excellence in regulatory decision-making.

What you'll be doing

As an experienced member of our team, you will:

• Assess and process a wide range of resource consent applications, including complex land use and subdivision proposals.
• Support the Resource Consents Team Lead and Principal Resource Consents Planner on complex planning matters and technical reviews.
• Mentor, coach, and support developing planners, helping build capability and consistency across the team.
• Provide high-quality planning advice to applicants, consultants, stakeholders, and the wider community.
• Ensure consent decisions are delivered in accordance with the Resource Management Act 1991, District Plan requirements, and statutory timeframes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, quality assurance processes, and best-practice planning approaches.
• Help deliver the outcomes identified in Council's Long-Term Plan through effective and sustainable resource management.

Why join us?

The Strategy and Growth Group brings together Council's sustainable development functions, creating a collective focus on delivering "good growth" for the Kāpiti Coast.
At Kāpiti Coast District Council, you will enjoy:

• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Exposure to a diverse range of planning projects and challenges.
• Genuine opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• The chance to mentor others and develop leadership experience.
• A role where you can make a meaningful contribution to the future of our district and community.

Nā tōu rourou | What you will bring

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• At least five years' planning experience within local government, consultancy, or a similar environment.
• A relevant planning qualification recognised by the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).
• Strong knowledge of the Resource Management Act, associated legislation, and an understanding of the evolving resource management system.
• Demonstrated experience assessing and processing resource consent applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex planning matters clearly and confidently.
• A collaborative approach and a willingness to mentor and support less experienced planners.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with a commitment to meeting statutory deadlines.
• A practical, solution-focused mindset and sound professional judgement.
• A good understanding of spatial planning concepts and the ability to interpret engineering, surveying, and architectural plans.
• New Zealand or Australian citizenship, or New Zealand permanent residency. Please note that applicants holding post-study work visas are not eligible for this position.

Career Progression Framework

At Kāpiti Coast District Council, we're committed to investing in our people. This role sits within a structured planning career pathway that supports professional development, increasing responsibility, mentoring opportunities, and progression into Principal and Team leader roles.
Whether you're looking to broaden your technical expertise, develop leadership skills, or build a long-term career in local government, we'll support you to achieve your goals.

Closing date Tuesday, 13 October 2026. 

View the job description here.

Enquiries about this position should be directed to Jackie Adams, Manager Consenting on [04 296 4700](tel:04 296 4700) or free phone [0800 486 486](tel:0800 486 486)

Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre‑employment checks, including drug and alcohol screening and Police checks.