Principal Planner at Hamilton City… · Hamilton

Company Description

This role sits within the Strategy, Growth and Planning Group who ensure we have long-term guardianship of strategic planning and development. They make decisions in the best interests of our city and our region (with a boundaryless view) and create inter-generational and environmental sustainability.

Our job is looking ahead for the future of our city.

Job Description

He angituutanga: The opportunity

Help shape the future of Hamilton!

At Hamilton City Council, our purpose is to improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians. To achieve this, we’re focused on becoming a leading, community‑focused council, one that unlocks the city’s full potential and makes Hamilton the best place to live.

We’re now seeking an experienced Principal Planner to join our Strategy, Growth and Planning group and play a key role in guiding sustainable growth and development across the city.

As a Principal Planner, you will work alongside a high‑performing team of planning professionals, providing specialist expertise and leadership in complex and technically challenging planning matters.

This is a pivotal role where you’ll lead the processing and peer review of complex resource consent applications (land use and subdivision), provide high‑level advice on the Resource Management Act and the District Plan, and support sound decision‑making that balances growth, environmental sustainability, and community outcomes.

You will also act as a trusted advisor across the organisation, working closely with internal stakeholders, iwi, developers, consultants, and the wider community.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and provide expert advice on complex resource consent applications, ensuring statutory timeframes and high technical quality
• Provide robust planning advice on the District Plan, RMA, and current or upcoming plan changes
• Prepare high‑quality written assessments, recommendations, and consent conditions
• Peer review s42A and s95 reports and support technical consistency across the team
• Represent Council at Environment Court hearings, including written evidence and affidavits
• Facilitate pre‑application and pre‑lodgement meetings with applicants and stakeholders
• Resolve complex issues through negotiation, mediation, and solution‑focused pathways
• Prepare reports for, and support, the Urban Design Review Panel
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to planners within the unit
• Provide leadership cover for Planning Team Leads when required

You’re a senior planning professional with strong judgement, credibility, and a collaborative leadership style. You’re confident navigating complex risk, balancing technical detail with pragmatic, enabling solutions.

Experience working with the Hamilton City Council District Plan is desirable but not essential.

You’ll be part of an organisation committed to making a meaningful difference for the Hamilton community. We value adaptability, inclusiveness, guardianship, simplicity, and ambition, and we’re looking for people whose values align with ours.

In return, we offer the opportunity to work on city‑shaping projects, collaborate with skilled professionals, and contribute to decisions that have long‑term impact for future generations.

Qualifications

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• A degree in Planning, Resource Management, or equivalent.
• At least 10 years’ experience in planning and resource management within New Zealand.
• Full NZPI membership.
• Extensive knowledge of local government planning processes.
• Proven experience with the Environment Court.
• Strong experience in subdivision and major developments.
• A solid understanding of urban design principles.
• The ability to interpret legislation and apply it in complex, practical contexts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A mentoring mindset, with the ability to grow and support others.
• A current full New Zealand driver licence.

Additional Information

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary?

Dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now!

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 27/05/2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.