Policy Planner

Published: 25 June 2026

Te whakapakari tahi i tō tātau Taiao – Enhancing our environment together.

Our vision is a healthy environment and a resilient and prosperous community.

About The opportunity | Ko te āheinga:

We are looking for a Policy Planner to join our Policy and Planning team. This is a permanent, full-time opportunity based in Napier.

The Policy and Planning team is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating planning policies and projects that help shape sustainable outcomes for our community. 

This broad and varied entry-level role plays an important part in delivering resource management planning functions and offers an opportunity to develop your professional planning skills within a supportive team environment. You will assist in plan development and implementation, undertake research and technical reporting, contribute to policy analysis and drafting, and support consultation processes. You will also contribute to a range of projects, working alongside experienced Senior Planners and the Team Leader, gaining valuable exposure to planning processes, legislation, and council operations.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to grow their career in planning, with an expectation of ongoing learning and development on the job. You will build strong communication and interpersonal skills while working across the organisation and with external stakeholders, contributing to effective and sustainable resource management outcomes.

About you | E pā ana ki a koe:

You will hold a relevant bachelor’s degree (or equivalent tertiary qualification) in resource management, public policy, or a related field, along with 1–3 years’ experience in a similar role or relevant industry. You will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to gather and interpret information from multiple sources to support well-informed recommendations. You take a proactive and collaborative approach to your work, contributing positively to team outcomes while managing your own tasks to meet agreed timeframes. A valid driver’s licence is also required.

What we offer | Nga huanga mōu:

The salary range for this role is between $75,650 to $89,000 and will depend on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

Other benefits of working for our team include:

• Flexible working options to support work/life balance
• 5 weeks annual leave after 3 years
• 4% superannuation after 3 years
• Life insurance and income protection
• Subsidised eye tests and lenses, flu vaccinations, and other well-being initiatives
• Strong commitment to developing and upskilling people within a supportive working environment.

See a full list of our staff benefits here 

As an equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We recognise that collaborative and innovative organisations depend on having a workforce made up from a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. We're all about excellence, and we encourage open communication – if you need any specific support, just let us know! Our main goal is to empower each person to share their unique talents to contribute to the outcomes for our community. This commitment ensures that our workplace is a dynamic and progressive space where everyone can flourish.

HBRC is responsible for Civil Defence emergencies and as such, all staff may be called upon to support the response.

How to apply | I pēhea ki te whakauru:

Applications close Saturday, 25 July 2026, however we will be shortlisting and interviewing appropriate candidates as applications are received. If you are interested in this position, please do not wait to apply as we may close the ad earlier than advertised.

Applicants must have existing rights to work in New Zealand.

To view the job description please click here.

Apply Via Seek

If you would like any further information regarding the role, please email hr@hbrc.govt.nz

About us | E pā ki a mātou:

At Hawke’s Bay Regional Council our purpose is to work with our community to protect and manage the region’s precious taonga of rivers, lakes, soils, air, coast and biodiversity for health, wellbeing and connectivity. Our organisation is diverse and our work is varied. Our structure comprises of six key business units; Corporate Services, Integrated Catchment Management, Asset Management, Māori Partnerships, Policy & Regulation, and the Executive Advisory Group which also consists of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

We focus on prioritising:

Te kounga o te wai, te haumarutanga me te mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi o te whakamarutanga | Water quality, safety and climate-resilient security.  

Kia koi, kia toitū hoki te whakamahinga o te whenua | Climate-smart and sustainable land use. 

Kia ora, kia āhei, kia mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi hoki te rerenga rauropi | Healthy, functioning and climate-resilient biodiversity. 

Kia toitū, kia mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi hoki ngā ratonga me ngā hanganga ā-whare | Sustainable and climate-resilient services and infrastructure. 

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