Regional Planner

Our vision : Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Turoa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa.

When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko ta Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora ano hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa.

He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

Mo te turanga | About the role You'll play a central role in shaping integrated work plans for the Eastern South Island (ESI) region, aligning them with national strategies.

This role brings together biodiversity, heritage, visitor priorities, and Treaty commitments at a regional level.

You'll provide planning support, quality assurance, and performance reporting, to ensure annual planning aligns with long-term outcomes.

The position will be focussed on :

• Partnering with functional leads to align priorities across the region.
• Overseeing performance reporting and ensure plans and projects meet standards.
• Analysing trends and contributing to regional reports with recommendations.
• Supporting the leadership team with planning tasks.
• Driving initiatives that improve conservation outcomes and Treaty commitments to strengthen regional partnerships.
• Developing integrated regional plans that balance biodiversity, heritage, and visitor priorities.

Click here for the Role Description

Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience

• strong analytical and reporting skills
• strong background in planning, financial management systems and performance improvement
• strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to integrate and present data insights effectively along with report writing
• knowledge and understanding of Treaty Settlement and implementation context
• solid understanding of conservation management and national strategies
• ability to work collaboratively and adapt to an environment of pace at times
• valid driving licence.

Desirable :

• experience in local government, council, or iwi organisations, particularly in long-term planning and consultation operational delivery
• understanding of asset management principles and practices
• experience in tiriti partner relationships and deliverables
• Knowledge of the Eastern South Island Region.

He aha nga painga mou?

| What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.

We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.

You can learn more about what we offer here.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa.

Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

Tonoa inaianei | Apply nowApply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.

Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $80,054- $101,142 with the starting salary of the successful applicants based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory - this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Ra whakakapi | Applications close at 11 : 59 pm on Sunday, 7 December.

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Me he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, please contact Megan Baxter, Regional Planning and Performance Manager at