Are you a planning professional who enjoys solving problems, working with people, and helping our community navigate planning processes?

We're looking for a Duty Planner to join our Planning and Regulatory team. This role sits at the frontline of our planning services, providing advice to the public, processing planning applications, and supporting the effective delivery of planning functions across the district.

If you enjoy variety in your day, working with legislation, and being part of a team that supports responsible development and good planning outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

As Duty Planner, you'll be the first point of contact for planning enquiries, providing clear advice to applicants, consultants, and the community about district plan provisions, consenting pathways, and application requirements.

You'll also play an important role in processing resource consent and planning applications, preparing consent assessments and conditions, and ensuring applications are handled in line with statutory requirements and Council procedures. In addition, you'll contribute to the processing of LIMs and PIMs, maintain planning records, and support the Planning team with administration, reporting, and quality assurance tasks.

This is a varied role that also includes supporting planning projects and policy work, maintaining planning systems and templates, and helping improve processes to ensure our planning services remain efficient, accurate, and customer focused.

About you

You'll be someone who enjoys both the technical and customer-facing aspects of planning. You'll be confident explaining planning requirements to a wide range of people and able to interpret legislation and policy in a practical and helpful way.

You'll also bring strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment.

Ideally you will have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Resource and Environmental Planning (or equivalent)
• At least two years' experience in a planning, regulatory, or related role, preferably in local government
• Working knowledge of the Resource Management Act and related legislation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organisation and time management abilities
• A methodical approach to research, documentation, and record keeping

An understanding of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the ability to work respectfully with diverse communities will also be important in this role.

Why join us?

At Wairoa District Council, you'll be part of a supportive team working to deliver positive outcomes for our district and community. We offer a collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to contribute to planning decisions that shape the future of our region.

If you're looking for a role where your planning knowledge can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.