Come and make a difference with us
At Western Bay of Plenty District Council, everything we do is about making the everyday better — and helping our communities thrive, now and into the future.
Western Bay is a District undergoing significant growth and transformation. From planning for future communities to delivering the infrastructure that supports them, we're focused on getting the fundamentals right — and preparing for what comes next.
We're also focused on our people. At Western Bay, we believe in investing in and empowering our teams to grow, lead, and achieve their goals. Because when our people thrive, our communities do too.
If you're motivated by making the everyday better, helping people thrive, and leaving things better than you found them — we'd love to hear from you.
The opportunity
Does working with the community to help plan the future our parks, reserves, playgrounds and community facilities appeal to you? We're looking for a Kaimahere Matua Rēhia / Senior Recreation Planner to join our Policy and Planning Team.
Your expertise and enthusiasm will play an important part in leading the development of reserve management plans, strategic plans, policies and bylaws that enable the provision of great recreational spaces and facilities for our communities. You will be able to contribute specialist recreation, reserve and community facility perspectives to these projects and wider sub-regional programmes, as well as plan and lead the delivery of community engagement initiatives.
This is a permanent full-time role based in Tauranga.
To set you up for success, you'll have
- Project management experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to present and explain ideas
- Superior analytical skills and attention to detail
- A track record as a problem solver, with the ability to influence and drive change
- The ability to think broadly, understand different perspectives and focus on solutions
- Experience in building effective relationships with stakeholders and communities
- An understanding of how to design and deliver effective community engagement initiatives
- A tertiary qualification in a related discipline
- At least five years experience in policy development, ideally in a local government environment.
What we offer
- Five weeks annual leave
- A competitive employment package - including subsidised medical insurance
- Flexible work arrangements and a pet friendly work environment
- Sick leave on commencement of employment
- Learning and development opportunities
- Access to wellbeing resources and workplace support
- Free onsite parking
Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work permit.
Applications close 11.55pm Sunday, 24 August 2025
For further information please call the People Team on 0800 926 732.
