Ready to kickstart your planning career? We're looking for a Graduate Planner to join our team in a full-time permanent role.

This isn't just a role where you'll process consents all day—you'll get hands-on experience across all areas of planning, from resource consents to district planning and policy work. You'll learn from experienced professionals, tackle real projects, and develop the skills you need to thrive in a changing legislative environment. If you're passionate about shaping communities and eager to grow, this is the perfect opportunity to start your journey.

Why Waimate?

One of the best things about joining a smaller council is the variety—you won't be stuck in one box! You'll get exposure to everything, and we'll train you up with the skills you need to succeed. Our planning team is awesome (and we're proud of it), and we're looking for someone who can roll with the punches as government throws legislative changes our way. What a great way to learn, right.

As a Graduate Planner, you'll:

• Process resource consent applications and provide planning advice
• Assist with district planning projects, research, and stakeholder engagement
• Support compliance monitoring and planning administration tasks, including LIMs and building consent checks
• Learn and grow while contributing to projects that shape the future of Waimate
• (Please refer to the position description for a full list of duties)

Benefits & Hours:

• Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 4.30pm (37.5 hours per week, with an hour for lunch each day)
• Birthday leave, upfront sick leave, and workplace wellbeing support

We're looking for someone who:

• Has a degree or other qualification in Planning, Resource Management, Environmental Studies, Geography, or a related field
• Is keen to learn and develop their skills in a supportive team
• Brings strong communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
• Has a current full NZ driver licence
• Have a positive, can-do attitude

If you are a Junior Planner with around 6 months' experience, we also encourage you to apply! Roles like these can be hard to fill, and while this would require a different position description, we are open to training someone who has a great attitude and is keen to learn.

Apply Now!

Applications close: Sunday 8 March 2026. For further information, contact grace.aikman@waimatedc.govt.nz.

Please note: You will need to have and maintain the legal right to work in New Zealand, and a have a full, current driver licence to apply for this role. This position is subject to a satisfactory Police check.