Principal Transport Planner
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand · Full Time
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- Experience
- Any
- Salary
- NZD 142,000 – NZD 156,000 / year
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 6 hours ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Eligibility
- Applicants from anywhere in New Zealand may be considered, with preference for people based in Wellington or the lower North Island, or those with strong knowledge of those regions. Candidates must also have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
Job description
About the role
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is looking for a Principal Transport Planner to join the Transport Planning team in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty. This is a permanent role based onsite, and candidates from anywhere in New Zealand may apply. Preference will be given to applicants based in Wellington or the lower North Island, or to those who can demonstrate strong knowledge of those areas.
What you will do
As a senior member of the team, you will help shape transport planning work across a wide range of projects and planning activities.
- Drive and contribute to integrated transport planning programmes.
- Own and influence the transport outcomes for assigned projects.
- Act as a trusted client representative, guiding both internal and external transport planning contributors to deliver to expectations.
- Help improve practice standards and support the growth of emerging talent within the team.
About the team
The Transport Planning group plays a central role in shaping New Zealand’s future transport network. Its work spans strategic planning, investment case development, network optimisation, and major infrastructure programmes, all aimed at delivering meaningful outcomes for people, communities, and the economy.
What we are looking for
The ideal candidate will bring strong transport planning experience, sound judgement, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Substantial experience as an established transport planner with working knowledge of project development and investment case principles.
- Ability to build evidence-based, well-aligned proposals that make a strong case for investment.
- Solid project leadership capability with a strong delivery focus and close attention to detail.
- Experience managing professional service providers and reviewing outputs with subject matter experts.
- Ability to connect people, navigate legislative processes and political influences, and achieve strong customer outcomes.
- Growth mindset, mentoring capability, and the ability to help build a positive and capable team culture.
- Working towards, or already holding, CTPP chartership.
- Confident self-starter who works well with diverse audiences, communicates clearly, and approaches problems with curiosity and solutions focus.
- Ability to present ideas as a compelling story and work collaboratively across different groups.
Pay and benefits
The base salary for this position is between $142,000 and $156,000, depending on relevant experience and knowledge. Permanent employees also receive 5 weeks of annual leave, plus Life, Income Protection, and Critical-illness insurance cover.
How to apply
Submit your CV and cover letter through the application process. Applications close on 22 July 2026. For more information, contact [email protected].
Eligibility and other information
Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion. If you need support or have accessibility requirements during recruitment, you are encouraged to let them know. Shortlisting may begin before the closing date, and the advert may be removed early if suitable applications are received.