Discover a career with purpose at Waitaki District Council

Waitaki District Council is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our 25,000 residents and creating a thriving, sustainable community. With a committed team of professionals, we provide essential services 24/7, ensuring the wellbeing of our district. We manage infrastructure, environmental conservation, community development, and regulatory services, responding to thousands of community interactions each year while proactively addressing local needs and challenges.

We’re committed to specific goals and targets that emphasise our collaborative approach with iwi, local communities, other government sectors, and business partners. Together, living our organisational attitudes and behaviours, we will build a thriving one-team culture, enabling delivery of excellence in service for Waitaki.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Are you ready to play a central role in shaping the future of the Waitaki District? As our Corporate Planner, you'll sit at the heart of our strategic planning, helping to ensure that Council’s ambitions and vision are reflected in its key corporate documents, such as the Annual Plan, Long-Term Plan, and other statutory reports.

Reporting to the Strategy and Commissioning Lead, you’ll coordinate and deliver Council’s corporate plans, collaborating across teams to align work programme streams, ensure compliance, and maintain clear and current plans. Your work will be pivotal in enabling Council’s decision-making and transparency, supporting reporting through documents such as the Annual Report and Pre-Election Report.

This is a role where you'll have the opportunity to actively improve planning tools and processes, monitor progress, and contribute to meaningful organisational change. You’ll help ensure planning efforts are not only compliant but also innovative and people-centred, driving improvements that benefit our community.

If you're someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, values structure and clarity, and brings ideas to elevate how we plan and deliver, this is the perfect role to grow your local government career.

He aha taau e kawe mai | What you’ll bring

We’re looking for a confident planning professional with strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills. To be successful in this role, you’ll bring:

Qualifications:

A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in Commerce, Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field.
A full New Zealand Driver’s Licence is required.

Experience:

At least 3 years’ experience in corporate or strategic planning or a related field.
Knowledge of local government legislation, policies and procedures.
Experience in business prioritisation, planning coordination, or business improvement.
Familiarity with project management principles and practices.
The ability to provide sound advice and influence senior leaders and elected members.

Skills and Attributes:

Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, able to coordinate across departments and maintain clarity in complex projects.
Political acumen and an understanding of how to navigate local government systems.
Adaptability and openness to change and continuous improvement.
Cultural awareness and a genuine desire to foster inclusive, community-led outcomes.
A resilient mindset with the ability to handle pressure, reprioritise, and maintain focus on delivering quality outcomes.

Mo tātou | About us

Waitaki District Council (WDC) is a dynamic and progressive local government organisation dedicated to serving the residents and communities of the Waitaki District. Our mission is to foster a thriving, innovative, and sustainable community through efficient and effective governance and service delivery.

At WDC, we provide a wide range of essential services that contribute to the well-being and development of our district. These services include:

Infrastructure and Environment: We manage and maintain roads, water supply, waste management, and recreational facilities, ensuring that our district's infrastructure meets the needs of our growing community.
Community and Economic Development: We support local businesses, tourism, and community initiatives, promoting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.
Regulatory Services: We ensure compliance with building, environmental, and public health standards to create a safe and healthy environment for all.
Customer and Community Engagement: We actively engage with our community to understand their needs and provide high-quality customer service through various channels.

WDC is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration, striving to be a leading council that makes Waitaki a better place to live, work, and visit. Join us in our mission to build a vibrant and prosperous future for our district.

WDC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. International research tells us that women and people from minority groups don't always apply for roles if they are concerned that they don't meet every single one of the requirements. We're open to talking to you about how your skills and experiences could be a great fit with what we need and what we’re trying to achieve.

Me pēhea te tono | How to Apply

If this position sounds like you, click apply now and submit a tailored Cover Letter and CV. Before confirmation of hire, pre-employment checks will be undertaken which may include references, credit check, drug and alcohol testing and police vetting prior to any written offer being made.

All applications must be submitted online and will not be accepted directly via email. All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.

Applications close Friday 22 August 2025, however, due to the possibility of a high number of applications, this role may close earlier.

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The salary for this position will commence between $82,700 and $107,023 dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role.

For any queries related to this position, please contact people@waitaki.govt.nz.