Senior Town Planner

About us:

Development Nous Limited (DNL) is a multidisciplinary land development consultancy with expertise spanning planning, surveying, civil engineering, structural engineering, landscape architecture and project management. From offices in Hastings, Palmerston North and Christchurch, DNL supports clients through feasibility, consenting, design and delivery across a wide range of subdivision, infrastructure and development projects.

The Role

DNL is seeking a Senior Town Planner for the Palmerston North office to lead planning inputs across a growing portfolio of work. This role will suit an experienced planner who enjoys variety, is confident navigating complex planning pathways, and wants to work closely with clients and project teams to unlock development opportunities and deliver practical outcomes. This position is full-time, office based, where collaboration and team engagement are key to our success. Working from home is not available for this role.

What this role involves

• Preparing and managing resource consent applications, planning assessments and supporting documentation.
• Providing planning advice for subdivision, land use and development projects.
• Interpreting district and regional plan provisions and relevant legislation.
• Working directly with local councils, clients, reporting consultants and internal technical teams.
• Supporting junior planners and helping build a strong, solutions-focused planning team.

What we are looking for

• Relevant planning qualification and senior-level planning experience in New Zealand.
• Strong understanding of the Resource Management framework and local authority consenting processes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with a high level of professionalism.
• Commercial awareness and confidence engaging directly with clients.
• Excellent report writing, communication and problem-solving skills.

Why join DNL

• Work across diverse project workstreams rather than a narrow planning niche.
• Build a role that can be shaped around your experience, strengths and professional interests.
• Collaborate with out-of-the-box thinkers and problem solvers across planning, surveying, engineering, landscape architecture and project management.
• Access new technologies, integrated project teams and modern systems that support efficient delivery.
• Be part of a collaborative office environment where practical thinking and initiative are highly valued.

Applications:

If you have planning experience, with several years in the industry, we want to hear from you.

Send [email protected] your CV with a covering letter and we’ll get in touch.

You must have the legal right to work in New Zealand to apply for this job.

Please note this role is being sourced directly and we are not accepting applications via external recruitment agencies.