- Varied consenting work - subdivisions, quarries, solar developments and more
- Supportive team, technical influence and the chance to mentor others
- Full or part time | Hawke’s Bay lifestyle
Looking for interesting planning work, a genuinely supportive team and more space to enjoy life outside work?
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council is looking for a Senior Planner to join its small, collaborative Resource Consents team.
This is a great opportunity to work in an environment where you can have real influence. You’ll be part of a close-knit team where people support each other, share knowledge and pitch in, with the opportunities, breadth and variety that comes from working within a smaller Council.
The consenting work is genuinely varied – from subdivisions and everyday development through to quarries and solar projects. You’ll also play an important role in coaching and developing others, sharing your technical expertise and helping build capability across the team.
And when the working day is done, there’s the Hawke’s Bay lifestyle to enjoy – renowned wineries and great food, beaches and cycle trails, plenty of sunshine and the space to make the most of life outside work.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Resource Consents Manager, you’ll take ownership of a varied portfolio of resource consent applications, provide trusted technical advice and work closely with applicants, professionals and the wider community.
You’ll have the opportunity to use your experience broadly - working through sometimes complex planning matters, supporting good decision-making, reviewing other team members work, looking for process improvements and ensuring the team is keeping up with legislative change. Coaching less experienced planners and team members and contributing ideas about how the team can continue to improve.
In a smaller Council, you’re closer to the people, projects and communities affected by the decisions you make. It’s an environment that suits someone who enjoys variety, relationships and being part of a team rather than working within a narrow remit.
As part of being the senior team member, you will have the opportunity to step in to provide cover for the manager when required to ensure that the team has seamless leadership.
About You
You’ll be an experienced planner with strong consenting capability and the confidence to provide sound technical advice. Just as importantly, you’ll be approachable, positive and collaborative - someone who enjoys sharing their knowledge and helping others develop.
You’ll ideally bring a relevant planning or environmental management qualification, good knowledge of planning legislation and strong communication skills. Local government experience would be advantageous but isn’t essential.
While this position is advertised at Senior level, don’t let the title stop you from getting in touch. If you are currently operating at Principal level and attracted by the breadth and hands-on nature of the opportunity, we’d be very happy to hear from you. There may be flexibility in how the role is shaped for the right person.
Genuine flexibility
Applications are welcomed from Planners interested in full-time or part-time hours.
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council also offers benefits including birthday leave, whānau leave, community service leave and a relocation contribution.
If you’re looking for interesting work, good people, genuine flexibility and a great Hawke’s Bay lifestyle, we’d love to hear from you.
Click ‘Apply’ or to find out more, contact Lisa Hulley on 027 688 8831. Applications close 18 October 2026 or when the vacancy is filled so we encourage you to apply promptly. Your application will be received in confidence.
Central Hawkes Bay District Council has engaged Peak Recruitment to manage the recruitment of this position. Please direct all enquiries and applications to Peak Recruitment.
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council is looking for a Senior Planner to join its small, collaborative Resource Consents team.
This is a great opportunity to work in an environment where you can have real influence. You’ll be part of a close-knit team where people support each other, share knowledge and pitch in, with the opportunities, breadth and variety that comes from working within a smaller Council.
The consenting work is genuinely varied – from subdivisions and everyday development through to quarries and solar projects. You’ll also play an important role in coaching and developing others, sharing your technical expertise and helping build capability across the team.
And when the working day is done, there’s the Hawke’s Bay lifestyle to enjoy – renowned wineries and great food, beaches and cycle trails, plenty of sunshine and the space to make the most of life outside work.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Resource Consents Manager, you’ll take ownership of a varied portfolio of resource consent applications, provide trusted technical advice and work closely with applicants, professionals and the wider community.
You’ll have the opportunity to use your experience broadly - working through sometimes complex planning matters, supporting good decision-making, reviewing other team members work, looking for process improvements and ensuring the team is keeping up with legislative change. Coaching less experienced planners and team members and contributing ideas about how the team can continue to improve.
In a smaller Council, you’re closer to the people, projects and communities affected by the decisions you make. It’s an environment that suits someone who enjoys variety, relationships and being part of a team rather than working within a narrow remit.
As part of being the senior team member, you will have the opportunity to step in to provide cover for the manager when required to ensure that the team has seamless leadership.
About You
You’ll be an experienced planner with strong consenting capability and the confidence to provide sound technical advice. Just as importantly, you’ll be approachable, positive and collaborative - someone who enjoys sharing their knowledge and helping others develop.
You’ll ideally bring a relevant planning or environmental management qualification, good knowledge of planning legislation and strong communication skills. Local government experience would be advantageous but isn’t essential.
While this position is advertised at Senior level, don’t let the title stop you from getting in touch. If you are currently operating at Principal level and attracted by the breadth and hands-on nature of the opportunity, we’d be very happy to hear from you. There may be flexibility in how the role is shaped for the right person.
Genuine flexibility
Applications are welcomed from Planners interested in full-time or part-time hours.
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council also offers benefits including birthday leave, whānau leave, community service leave and a relocation contribution.
If you’re looking for interesting work, good people, genuine flexibility and a great Hawke’s Bay lifestyle, we’d love to hear from you.
Click ‘Apply’ or to find out more, contact Lisa Hulley on 027 688 8831. Applications close 18 October 2026 or when the vacancy is filled so we encourage you to apply promptly. Your application will be received in confidence.
Central Hawkes Bay District Council has engaged Peak Recruitment to manage the recruitment of this position. Please direct all enquiries and applications to Peak Recruitment.
