Napier’s parks and open spaces are more than green landscapes – they are places where community, culture, and environment meet. They are central to our city’s identity and play a vital role in the wellbeing of residents and visitors alike. As Principal Reserves Planner, you will take a lead role in shaping the future of these spaces, ensuring they continue to meet the needs of a growing, diverse, and dynamic community.

This brand new, senior role is responsible for scoping, developing, and coordinating planning initiatives across Napier City Council’s parks portfolio. You’ll ensure projects are aligned with Council’s strategic priorities, legislation, and funding frameworks, while also reflecting community aspirations and cultural values. By building and managing a forward-looking pipeline of work, you’ll help transform the way our parks are designed, delivered, and experienced.

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

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• 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.

He kōrero mōhou - 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.

Ngā painga mōhou - 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 Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
• Te Reo Māori 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 2025 however due to the highly competitive employment market we will be interviewing 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.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, 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

Job Description – Principal Reserves Planner