Senior Policy Planner

Are you an experienced policy planner passionate about shaping the future of our city? Napier City Council is looking for a Senior Policy Planner to provide expert advice, lead the review and development of city policies, and deliver key components of the District Plan. You’ll play a vital role in ensuring our strategies, plans, and bylaws meet statutory requirements, reflect community needs, and support sustainable, forward-looking outcomes. This is your chance to contribute to high-impact projects, from climate resilience initiatives to strategic city development programs.

In this role, you’ll collaborate across Council teams, mentor junior staff, and represent Napier in regional and national forums. We’re looking for someone with strong project management and policy analysis skills, excellent stakeholder engagement experience—including working with hapū/iwi—and the ability to balance complex social, environmental, economic, and cultural considerations.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Lead key components of Napier’s District Plan Review and city development policies.
• Provide expert policy advice and contribute to strategic projects, including climate resilience initiatives.
• Manage projects and coordinate stakeholder engagement, including hapū/iwi and community consultation.
• Mentor junior staff and foster a collaborative, professional team environment.
• Represent Napier City Council in regional and national forums and working groups.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• Tertiary qualification in policy planning or natural resource management; NZPI eligibility.
• 9–10 years’ experience in resource management, including policy development or regulatory work.
• Strong knowledge of legislation, policy analysis, project management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years service
• Discounted Health Insurance Work Scheme + Eye Test Subsidy
• Retailer Discounts + Study assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club
• Free flu vaccinations (annual)
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent, full time opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You will be based in Napier. 

The annual salary package for this role is between $105,700-$124,300 (including KiwiSaver) with the final offer depending on your skills and experience. 

Applications for this role close on 19 December 2025. We will endeavour to interview promising candidates as we receive your applications (and may close the role when we have found the right person), however given our summer closedown period, please be patient with us if you do not hear back until the new year.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including criminal background checks, with some role requiring drug testing and health screening). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Senior Policy Planner