Principal Reserves Planner

Overview

Join to apply for the Principal Reserves Planner role at Napier City Council.

Napier's parks and open spaces are places where community, culture, and environment meet.

As Principal Reserves Planner, you will lead the planning and coordination of initiatives across Napier City Council's parks portfolio to meet the needs of a growing, diverse, and dynamic community.

This senior role scopes and delivers planning that aligns with Council priorities, legislation, and funding frameworks, while reflecting community aspirations and cultural values.

This is a brand-new, senior role focused on building a forward-looking pipeline of work to transform how our parks are designed, delivered, and experienced.

It offers a career-defining opportunity to influence long-term outcomes, balance environmental sustainability with growth, and position open spaces as essential to Napier's identity and resilience.

Te Aheinga – The Opportunity

Responsibilities

Lead the planning pipeline for parks projects, from strategy to delivery.

Work across Council, iwi, and the community to create open spaces that are welcoming, sustainable, and culturally connected.

Influence long-term asset management and service delivery strategies.

Champion the value of open spaces, ensuring they remain a vital part of Napier's identity.

Play a key role in shaping how the city grows and ensuring green spaces continue to enrich the lives of residents.

About You

A degree in Landscape Architecture, Planning, Environmental Management, or a related field.

7+ years' experience in parks planning, open space management, or environmental planning, including leading significant planning projects.

Strong understanding of relevant legislation, frameworks, and best practice in open space planning.

Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, budgets, and deadlines while maintaining quality outcomes.

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with confidence collaborating across iwi, community groups, government, and internal teams.

A forward-thinking, innovative approach to creating sustainable and future-ready parks.

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 Wananga + NCC Kapa Haka

Te Reo Maori language classes

This is a full-time, permanent opportunity working 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday.

You will be based in Napier CBD.

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

Applications for this role close on 10 October

• ; however, due to the highly competitive employment market we will interview applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

Please do not delay in making your application.

About NCC

Napier City Council is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and strive to make our hiring process fair and accessible.

If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, please let us know—we're happy to help!

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

Before you join, you'll need to complete pre-employment checks (including drug testing, with some roles requiring 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.

Seniority level : Mid-Senior level

Employment type : Full-time

Job function : Other

Industries : Government Administration

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