Senior Planning Advisor

Shape the future of New Zealand's transport system through regional and local planning leadership

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is looking for a Senior Planning Advisor to play a key role in shaping transport system outcomes across New Zealand.  This is a senior advisory role where you'll work closely with local government partners, regional councils, territorial authorities and internal stakeholders to influence transport planning and investment decisions. You'll provide strategic planning advice, lead the development of planning deliverables, and help ensure transport system challenges, opportunities and future needs are clearly understood and translated into practical planning outcomes.

You will build strong relationships across the sector, contribute to Regional Land Transport Plans (RLTPs) and Regional Public Transport Plans (RPTPs), support National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) development, and help shape initiatives seeking National Land Transport Fund (NLTF) investment. Through collaboration and influence, you'll ensure planning intent is aligned across local, regional and national priorities.

To view a copy of the position description, click here.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Experience in transport planning, spatial planning, land use and transport integration, or a related planning discipline.

• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with local government, regional councils and territorial authorities to influence planning outcomes.

• Experience developing high quality, evidence-based planning advice, strategies and planning deliverables.

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to translate data, insights and evidence into practical recommendations.

• Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence diverse stakeholders across complex environments.

• Experience navigating multi-party planning processes and balancing local, regional and national perspectives.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to provide clear and credible advice to senior decision makers.

• Strong programme and priority management skills, with the ability to deliver quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.

• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and experience working with Māori partners, iwi or Māori organisations, or a willingness to grow capability in this area.

• A tertiary qualification in planning, transport planning, geography, public policy or a related discipline (or equivalent experience) is required. A current driver's licence is also required as travel across the region will be part of the role.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies in the public sector.

Ko wai mātou | About us

At NZTA, it all starts with our people. Our success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work while delivering better outcomes for New Zealanders.

The System Leadership Group creates strategic clarity so that both NZTA and the wider sector can deliver with confidence. We connect across the system to build alignment on direction, support others to mobilise for action, and provide trusted, evidence-based and future-focused leadership.

As a Senior Planning Advisor, you'll help shape the future of transport planning by working alongside local government partners and stakeholders to influence long-term transport system outcomes and investment priorities that deliver value for New Zealand communities. 

Along with our other employee benefits, we also offer NZTA Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

23 August 2026

For further information, email: [email protected]

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.