Principal Transport Planner

Mo tenei turanga mahi| About this role

Work on some of the biggest transport programmes and projects in New Zealand

Exercise your leadership and mentoring muscles

Apply system level thinking, with a focus on agile problem solving, critical thinking and leading the way as a smart client for our organisation

We offer flexible work opportunities to enable the right work life balance

Can be based in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Tauranga, or Hamilton

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As Principal Transport Planner, you will lead and contribute to integrated transport planning initiatives through the phases of programme planning and development; from confirming the strategic purpose and direction, through the benefits realisation process, to identifying a recommended programme of work and subsequent recommended project options, including support to a project's consenting phases.

This role is more than Transport Planning expertise, as a senior member of the team you will be responsible for the Transport Outcomes of a project from inception to pre-implementation, managing risk and operating efficiently and effectively throughout.'You will operate as a smart client delivering options that are right sized and appropriate and drive your projects to meet delivery expectations.

You'll get the opportunity to lead, develop and promote sound solutions to transportation issues, with a national focus. Use your strong relationship management skills and build effective partner and stakeholder relationships across the sector to bring information together. You'll be able to mentor and lead as well as demonstrate your critical eye for technical data.

View the position description here .

Appointment base salary is from $131,659 - $153,602 depending on relevant knowledge and experience. Along with our other'benefits,'we offer 5 weeks annual leave, and a Life, Income Protection and Critical-illness Insurance scheme for all permanent employees.

Ko koe tenei | About you

You will need to be a confident self-starter, who thrives working collaboratively with diverse and varied audiences. We look for people with natural curiosity, solution focus, a proven ability to communicate a compelling story and demonstrate a growth mindset.

What we are looking for :

Enduring experience as a transport planner that delivers in an investment case context, including option development, appraisal and evaluation, stakeholder engagement and project approvals.

Design experience and sound project leadership skills, including a high delivery focus and excellent attention to detail.

Experience managing professional services suppliers to quality, reviewing outputs in association with subject matter experts.

The ability to connect people and navigate legislative process and political drivers to deliver great outcomes for our customers

A working knowledge of project development / investment case principles, to ensure proposals are evidence based, aligned, and represent a compelling case for investment.

A growth mindset and willingness to both mentor and share your knowledge with others in the team

The behavioural skills to successfully lead complex regional projects and work alongside Approved Organisations (such as City and District Councils).

Experience working with partners and stakeholders to shape priorities

The ability to model effective leadership, mentor other members of the team and help build a strong team environment

A good understanding of economic evaluation principles

Strong analytical skills and the ability to apply rigorous knowledge and methods

Excellent communication skills

Ko wai matou | About us

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is the largest infrastructure delivery agent in New Zealand, our work touches the lives of all New Zealanders by planning, designing, delivering, managing and operating an integrated transport system along with our partners. We have some of the most capable and motivated people in the industry providing a transport system that enables New Zealanders to live, travel, work and connect.

Our projects incorporate a range of solutions including infrastructure, digital and Intelligent Transport Systems, travel behaviour change, network optimisation, travel demand management and road pricing.

There has never been a more exciting time to join NZTA and help to create positive transport outcomes for Aotearoa!

Ra Katinga | Applications close :

28 September 2025

For further information, email :

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

NZTA| Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.