Planner

Planner - Resource Management
Senior/ Intermediate/ Graduate will be considered
Buller District Council | Westport, New Zealand
Permanent, Full-time| 40 Hours per week

Join the Buller District Council Team! | Hono atu ki te roopu Kaunihera a rohe o Buller!
We are looking for a Planner to join our Regulatory Services team based in beautiful Westport on the West Coast.

As a Planner, you’ll play a key role in helping deliver Council’s responsibilities under the Resource Management Act, Local Government Act, and related legislation. You’ll work across a broad range of planning activities, providing both strategic and operational input while supporting the wider team and our community.

Who are we? | Ko wai tatou?
At Buller District Council, we are a dedicated, customer-focused team committed to maintaining the beauty of our region—from Karamea to Punakaiki and inland to the environs of Reefton. This is your unique opportunity to step into the wilderness and make a tangible difference in the Buller District. If you possess the expertise and a proactive attitude to deliver exceptional service to our community, we’d love to hear from you!

Why Join Us? | He aha te hono mai ki a mātau?

Thrive in a values-driven workplace that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and professional development through various learning opportunities, benefits, and recognition.

• Shape the future of Buller – Be a part of strategic growth and sustainable development
• Work in a scenic district with a great lifestyle balance.
• Be part of a collaborative and supportive team with a high focus on wellbeing

What Will You Do? | Ka aha koe?
Key responsibilities will include:

• Process resource consent applications and ensure decisions are robust, technically sound, and legally compliant.
• Provide planning advice to applicants, staff, elected members, and the public.
• Monitor compliance with resource consents and manage enforcement where required.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Council’s District Plan and other planning policies.
• Represent Council in mediation, hearings, and Environment Court proceedings.
• Collaborate with other departments and external stakeholders on strategic and policy projects.

Who Are You? | Ko wai koe?
We are looking for someone with:

Essential:

• A tertiary qualification in planning or a related field.
• To be considered for the senior role at least 8 years of experience in resource management or local government planning is required.
• Strong working knowledge of the Resource Management Act 1991 and related legislation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• A collaborative and customer-focused approach.

Desirable:

• NZPI membership (or eligibility)

Our Mission | To tatou misioni
To serve the residents of the Buller district, conscious of their needs, by providing facilities and services and creating an appropriate environment for progress and development while preserving the distinctive natural environment, as well as the cultural and historical environments.

If you're ready to make a significant impact and work in a supportive, forward-thinking environment, we’d love to hear from you!
Find the position description here: https://tinyurl.com/ynens6dv

All applications are required to be accompanied by a cover letter and a copy of your current Curriculum Vitae.

Any enquiries about this role please email: bdc.hr@bdc.govt.nz

Applications close: Friday, 03 April 2026