• Lead the spatial planning direction for Selwyn and the wider region
• Be Council's principal technical expert in strategic and spatial planning
• Life Insurance + Wellbeing/Volunteering leave + Flexible working

About the role:

As our Principal Strategy Planner, you'll be the lead technical expert within the Strategic Planning and Design Team, providing specialist spatial planning advice that helps shape the future growth of Selwyn and the wider region.

You'll play a key role in the District's spatial planning programme and the development of the Regional Spatial Plan. You'll lead Council's growth modelling function and represent Selwyn in strategic discussions with councils, government agencies, mana whenua, and regional partners. You'll also provide technical leadership and mentoring within the team, strengthening planning capability across the organisation.

In this role you will:

• Lead and provide expert technical advice on spatial planning matters across the district and region
• Play a key role in the development and implementation of the Regional Spatial Plan and other strategic planning initiatives
• Maintain and enhance Council's growth model, ensuring robust evidence informs long-term decision-making
• Analyse growth scenarios, development capacity, infrastructure constraints, and future planning options
• Represent Council in regional working groups and strategic planning forums
• Provide specialist input into master plans, structure plans, infrastructure planning, and major projects
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, briefing papers, and advice for elected members and senior leaders
• Support and mentor Senior Strategy Planners, providing technical leadership and fostering professional development
• Work collaboratively with mana whenua, government agencies, infrastructure providers, and key stakeholders

About you:

You are an experienced spatial planning professional who combines strong technical capability with the ability to influence, collaborate, and communicate complex information clearly.

You'll bring:

• 10+ years' experience in spatial, strategic, and/or urban planning
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand planning legislation and emerging spatial planning frameworks
• Experience contributing to strategy development and spatial plans
• Advanced analytical capability, including growth modelling, scenario testing, and strategic assessment
• Strong GIS and spatial analysis skills
• Experience integrating land use, transport, infrastructure, and growth planning
• The ability to translate complex technical information into practical advice and recommendations
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and the confidence to represent Council at a regional level
• A collaborative approach and a passion for shaping sustainable communities

What we can offer:

• Great work-life balance with flexibility
• Career coaching and development
• Life insurance
• Wellbeing and volunteer leave
• Three days paid leave between Christmas and New Year
• Two weeks paid Partners Leave
• Sick leave from day one
• Continued KiwiSaver contributions during savings suspension
• Discounts with local and national businesses

About us:

Selwyn is New Zealand's fastest growing district. We have a fantastic quality of life, great communities, and a thriving economy. Our Council works actively with residents to provide the services and facilities that help our communities to thrive and grow.

Our head office is based in Rolleston (only 25km from Christchurch), which offers an enviable family lifestyle, outstanding local facilities and an easy drive to the ski fields, rivers and hills that make up Canterbury's stunning landscape.

Our values are important to us and represent the way we work: · Be a good human · Be brave - Think differently · Better together- Make it happen for Selwyn.

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and we are committed to working with our Treaty partner to deliver on our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

If you'd like to play a part in making Selwyn the best place to live, work and play, join us today!