Senior Policy Planner

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Rotorua Lakes Council is seeking a Senior Policy Planner to shape the city’s future by leading district plan changes, steering strategic planning, and guiding major resource management projects from concept to delivery. You’ll spot emerging issues, translate them into practical policy, prepare submissions on regional and national proposals, and advise across the organisation while collaborating with mana whenua, elected members and technical experts. A planning degree and solid RMA policy experience are essential, with leadership of plan changes or major policy projects highly regarded. Embrace Te Arawa partnership and apply with a tailored CV and cover letter that demonstrates stakeholder engagement, analytical thinking and impact, and view the position description via the link.

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Shape tomorrow in Rotorua: Your career starts here!


Ready to make a lasting impact? Te Kaunihera o ngā Roto o Rotorua | Rotorua Lakes Council is your platform for meaningful change. With a team of over 400 staff, we're committed to forging a better tomorrow for the Rotorua community. In the heart of this thriving city, you'll find yourself immersed in natural wonders like geothermal pools and ngāwha | geysers, while enjoying the exhilarating mountain biking scene. Join a council that thrives on collaboration with Te Arawa, our local iwi, and embraces biculturalism at its core. From the Rotorua Lakefront Redevelopment to hosting the world-renowned Crankworx festival, you'll play a vital role in shaping our city's future. Start your journey with us today!


Kei ā koe te toki, kei ā koe te kuru, whaoa te anamata! You have the chisel, you have the mallet! Join us and carve the future today!


Rotorua Lakes Council is looking for a Senior Policy Planner who’s ready to shape the future of one of Aotearoa’s most distinctive and culturally rich districts. This is your chance to influence how Rotorua grows, develops and protects its environment for generations to come.
In this role, you’ll lead and support major District Plan changes, drive strategic planning work, and guide key resource management projects from concept to delivery. You’ll be the person who spots emerging planning issues, translates them into strategy, and helps the organisation make smart, future focused decisions. You’ll also prepare submissions on regional and national planning proposals, work closely with mana whenua, elected members and technical experts, and provide trusted policy advice across the organisation.
To thrive here, you’ll bring strong experience in RMA policy development, a solid understanding of the New Zealand planning system, and the confidence to work with a wide range of stakeholders. You’ll be an analytical thinker, a clear communicator and someone who can turn complex issues into practical, meaningful solutions. A planning degree is essential, and experience leading plan changes or major policy projects will set you apart.
Rotorua Lakes Council is driven by purpose — people, community and future focused planning. You’ll join a team that values integrity, collaboration and innovation, and you’ll work in genuine partnership with Te Arawa. This is meaningful work in a place known for its lakes, geothermal landscapes and vibrant cultural identity.
If you’re ready to make a real impact and help shape a thriving future for Rotorua, we’d love to hear from you.
Please click this link to view the position description


Te Kaunihera o nga Roto o Rotorua (Rotorua Lakes Council) is committed to working in partnership with Te Arawa, our local iwi. We aspire to being a bicultural organisation and we value staff who speak te reo Maori, have an appreciation of Maori values, and a working knowledge of tikanga Maori.


Sound like you? Click the Apply button.