We're looking for an experienced and people-focused Reserves Planning Team Leader to join our Community Services team and build on the strong foundations already in place.

Waipā is growing, and so are the expectations for our public open spaces. This is an opportunity to take on a leadership role, shaping the future of our parks, reserves and natural environments while delivering outcomes that truly benefit our communities.

If you're passionate about planning, enjoy leading a team, and want to make a visible difference in your district - this could be your next move.

About the role

Responsible for the strategic planning, policy development and delivery of programmes that guide the future of Waipā parks, reserves and open spaces.

You'll lead a small team of specialist planners and work closely with internal teams, mana whenua, developers and the community to ensure our open spaces are well planned, protected and enhanced for future generations.

On any given day, you'll be:

• Leading and supporting a multidisciplinary planning team
• Driving the development of open space strategies, plans and policies
• Preparing business cases and long-term planning documentation
• Providing expert advice on reserves planning, legislation and development proposals
• Overseeing inputs into resource consents, leases and concessions
• Building strong relationships with mana whenua, stakeholders and the community
• Contributing to annual planning, budgeting and continuous improvement initiatives

This role combines leadership, strategic thinking and technical planning expertise - so you'll need to be comfortable influencing at a strategic level while staying connected to delivery.

About you

You'll be an experienced planning or open spaces professional who knows how to bring people together and deliver strong outcomes.

You'll bring:

• Strong experience in reserves planning, environmental planning or a related field
• Solid understanding of relevant legislation (e.g. Reserves Act, LGA, RMA, Land Act)
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
• Experience developing strategies, policies and long-term plans
• Confidence working across resource consents, leases and stakeholder processes
• Strong relationship-building skills, including with mana whenua and community groups
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset and sound judgement
• Relevant tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience)

Ideally, you'll also bring:

• Experience in local government
• Professional memberships or postgraduate qualifications
• Experience managing complex or contentious planning issues

Why join us?

At Waipā District Council, it's our people that make the difference. We're proud of our supportive environment, strong local connections, and commitment to building connected communities as the Home of Champions.

You'll benefit from:

• A collaborative, down-to-earth team culture
• Opportunities to grow and develop your career
• Meaningful work that directly impacts our community
• Flexible working and a focus on work-life balance
• A district you can truly be proud to support

We're a values-driven organisation that prides itself on delivering great outcomes for our communities while supporting our people to succeed. You'll be part of a council that values collaboration, continuous improvement and doing the right thing.

Ready to make an impact?

If you're ready to take the lead in this space and help shape the future of Waipā's open spaces, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and play a key role in creating connected, vibrant and sustainable communities.

To apply for this job, please go online to www.joinourteam.co.nz and enter the job code: 38966RA

Applications close: Monday, 6 July 2026, 5pm.

Applicants must be living in and have the right to work in New Zealand.