This is an exciting time to be part of our regional council team, helping inform the way community and environmental issues will be managed into the future. Environment Southland's Regional Planning team are responsible for leading the sustainable management of Southland's natural resources.

In this role, you will play a fundamental part in supporting sustainable outcomes for the whenua, wai and taiao of our region, and contribute to broader societal goals, such as strengthening community connections and addressing vulnerabilities. While the primary focus will be on regional transport planning, you'll also have the opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of planning and strategy initiatives, including spatial planning. Your systems thinking and collaborative approach will be key to driving meaningful change.

Our regional transport system doesn't just connect communities and businesses—it connects you to some of New Zealand's most breathtaking landscapes. From beaches and ski fields, to 4 out of 10 of NZ Great Walks, national parks, lakes and fiords, living and working in Southland offers access to nature, as well as urban facilities. Combined with reasonable house prices, short commutes and a relaxed pace of life, Southland is a great place to live and work.

We offer a friendly work environment, flexible working arrangements and opportunities for ongoing professional development.

Depending on your level of experience and expertise, we will consider applications for either a Senior Regional Planner - Transport a Regional Planner Transport to join our team.

Emphasis is on:

• Supporting the development of integrated sustainable transportation planning in a manner which will meet the needs of the region and its communities
• Working with the Principal Transport Planner to fulfill Council's responsibilities under the Land Transport Management Act 2013, Resource Management Act 1991 and other legislation, including the Local Government Act 2002
• Providing technical support in the development implementation, monitoring and reviewing of regional transport policy and preparing strategic regional transport planning documents such as the Regional Land Transport Plan
• Understanding and analysing policy and other related information and developing planning solutions
• Developing relationships with all levels of Council and the community, and communicating what is at times complex information

Senior Regional Planner - Transport:

An initial offer of remuneration will be made within the range of $102,240. - $107,920. per annum.

Regional Planner Transport:

An initial offer of remuneration will be made within the range of $88,290. - $93,195. per annum.

If you are ready for a new adventure, looking for an opportunity to grow your career whilst enjoying all the lifestyle benefits Southland and Environment Southland offers, apply today.

HOW TO APPLY

Go to https://environmentsouthland.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Vacancies & enter ref code: 6802370 to apply and upload your CV and cover letter.

Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

The closing date for applications is 21 September 2025

Working at Environment Southland requires all of our staff to uphold the council's Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities as part of their day-to-day role. This might be through the appropriate delivery of functions through various legislation where Te Tiriti o Waitangi or partnering with mana whenua is required or upholding the commitments that our elected councillors have made to Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku through the Charter of Understanding.