Consents Planner

Published: 10 April 2025

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:

As a Consents Planner you'll play a crucial role in processing resource consent applications under the Resource Management Act (RMA). This role is part of the Policy & Regulation Group, specifically within the Consents section.

We work closely with our Policy and Compliance teams to provide guidance and advice to community, tangata whenua and consent holders on our rules, regulations and consenting requirements to achieve great environmental outcomes. Reporting to the Team Leader Consents, you’ll work collaboratively to help deliver sustainable environmental management outcomes across the Hawke's Bay Region. Your responsibilities will include providing guidance and advice to the public on resource consenting matters, assessing consent applications, and ensuring efficient processing within statutory time frames.

About you | E pā ana ki a koe:

We’re looking for a candidate with a tertiary qualification in planning, resource management, environmental science, or a related discipline. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, along with the ability to evaluate complex information and prepare clear, concise reports for a range of audiences.

You’ll be a practical and solution focused person who can effectively manage your time, consistently produce high quality work and who would enjoy being an active member of our passionate team. Additionally, you’ll demonstrate or develop an understanding of tikanga Māori and Māori values, particularly with how these are considered through the resource management process.

You will also have:

• Knowledge and experience in forestry, farm systems, wastewater or stormwater management and /or experience in New Zealand’s planning system.
• A positive, motivated, and proactive approach to work with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Ability to critically evaluate information and communicate this effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and good relationship management skills, including a willingness to talk to and help members of the public with their consent related enquiries.
• Resilience, adaptability, and flexibility.
• Attention to detail and good time management skills.
• Willingness to assist with database management and consent related administration as required.

What we offer | Nga huanga mōu:

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.

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.

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 Thursday, 8 May 2025, 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.

We also welcome applicants with greater experience. If you feel you exceed the role’s requirements, we still encourage you to apply! Your expertise could be a great asset.

View the full job description here.

Please apply through SEEK. If you require any further information, please email hr@hbrc.govt.nz.

Applicants must have existing rights to work in New Zealand.

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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