Full Time
Application Closes 04 Aug 2025
Manawatu - Palmerston North
Urban and Regional Planner

The role

Horizons is focused on our region having effective transport networks. We’re at the forefront of changes that will reduce emissions from road transport. Palmerston North is the first city in New Zealand to have a fully electric bus fleet. We’re investing significantly in improving our bus service for our cities and communities. We’ll shortly see improvements to passenger rail connections between Palmerston North and Wellington. There are also a growing number of challenges we’re facing in the transport sector.

We are currently seeking a customer focused, motivated and innovative Senior Transport Planner to join our Transport Team. This is a permanent full time role based in our Palmerston North Offices.

It is an incredibly exciting time for transport in our region with ongoing investment in public transport and several large key infrastructure projects to be implemented in the immediate future. Our role is in Transport is two-fold. We manage public transport across the region including our urban bus networks and total mobility. Our role in passenger rail is also growing with an increased level of service coming. We also coordinate the development of an integrated and strategic transport network for the region, to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of people, and to enable regional growth.

We’re seeking an experienced transport professional who can help us continue to take transport forward in our region.

About you

You have a strong desire to contribute to delivering a better transport network, especially for those taking public transport.
5 plus years experience in planning, engineering, transport management, contract management or other field relevant to transport planning.
Evidence of, and experience in managing and leading delivery of complex projects.
Strong contractual acumen with proven experience managing contracts.
You enjoy mentoring more junior members of staff, and can show how you have contributed to raising capability.
Your engaging nature will be evident in the strong relationships that you have built with clients in your previous roles.
You may have some experience in working in the transport sector but it is not essential.

About us

The Horizons region extends over 22,200km2 – from Ruapehu in the north and Horowhenua in the south, to Whanganui in the west and Tararua in the east. It’s a landscape as vast and varied as the over 240,000 people who call it home. At Horizons Regional Council we work to make our region a great place to live, work and play.

Why should you apply?

When you join us, you can look forward to a rewarding career full of opportunities to develop a positive and supportive work environment. We do this through:

Positive focus on employee health, wellness and wellbeing initiatives across the organisation including your birthday off, wellness day, life insurance for all permanent staff and 5 weeks leave after 2 years of service
Flexible family friendly work environment
Ongoing development and opportunities across the organisation to grow, specialise or diversify your skills.
Working together for a better environment across our region
A supportive and social work environment across the organisation

Applications close 4pm Monday 4 August.

Horizons are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to ensuring we have a diverse and inclusive workplace so our people reflect the diversity of our region.