Team Leader Development Planning

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Join Waimakariri District Council as Team Leader Development Planning, a new full-time Rangiora based role guiding development planning across private plan changes and Environment Court appeals. You will lead and mentor planners, build relationships with developers, elected members, mana whenua and the community, and help shape growth in a fast growing district. The ideal candidate has a planning qualification with proven leadership and communication skills and solid experience in development planning, plan implementation or consenting, ideally in local government or consultancy. To apply, view the position description on the council site, tailor your CV to highlight leadership and complex projects, and submit by Sunday 13 September 2026; for a confidential chat contact Matthew Bacon at 0800 965 468.

Full Time | Permanent | Rangiora based

Help shape the future of one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts

Waimakariri District is home to more than 69,000 residents and continues to experience significant growth and development. Located just 30 minutes north of Christchurch, we offer the opportunity to make a real difference while enjoying an exceptional lifestyle.

The Opportunity

This is a newly created leadership role, established to strengthen our Development Planning capability and support the increasing complexity of planning projects across the District.

As Team Leader Development Planning, you will provide leadership across a broad range of development planning activities, including private plan changes, Environment Court appeals, and Council's residential developer liaison programme. You will play a key role in shaping growth outcomes, supporting quality development, and helping deliver the District's long-term planning objectives.

Working alongside a highly capable team, you will lead, mentor and support planners while building strong relationships with developers, elected members, mana whenua, stakeholders and the wider community.

About You

You're an experienced planner who combines technical expertise with strong leadership skills. You build trusted relationships, communicate with confidence, and enjoy working through complex planning issues to achieve practical outcomes. Key skills include:

• Relevant planning, resource management or related qualification.

• Significant planning experience, ideally within local government or consulting.

• Experience in development planning, private plan changes, plan implementation or consenting.

• Strong relationship management and communication skills.

• The ability to lead people, influence outcomes and navigate complex planning issues with confidence.

Why join Waimakariri District Council?

• Shape development outcomes across a rapidly growing district.

• Join a respectful, progressive organisation that values innovation.

• Work in a collaborative environment with meaningful community impact.

• Enjoy the lifestyle benefits of working locally without a city commute.

Ready to take the next step?

If you would like to find out more about this exciting opportunity, for a confidential chat please contact Matthew Bacon, Development Planning Manager on 0800 965 468 (0800 WMK GOV).

Please click here to view a copy of the position description. (NB – this link is not compatible with LinkedIn, if required please access via our website: https://careers.waimakariri.govt.nz/#jobs)

If you have the skills, attitude and qualification for this position, then get in touch because we want to hear from you!

Applications close on Sunday 13 September 2026.

The Council is an equal opportunity employer.