Independent Hearing Commissioner

He angitūtanga: The opportunity 

Auckland Council is seeking candidates for the role of Independent Hearing Commissioner for the next term, 1 January 2027 – 31 December 2029.

Independent commissioners are responsible for making decisions on a range of resource management matters including applications for resource consents, plan changes and notices of requirement. Candidates must hold the Ministry for the Environment’s ‘Making Good Decisions’ accreditation.

He kōrero mōu: About you

We are looking for candidates who have tertiary qualifications and/or proven experience in one or more of the following disciplines:

• Planning

• Resource management law
• Engineering (transport, infrastructure, natural hazards)
• Landscape architecture
• Ecology, biodiversity and environmental management
• Freshwater management
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te ao Māori
• Coastal management
• Heritage and conservation management
• Urban design
• Air quality
• Rural planning and land management
• Waste management
  
  

And who can demonstrate some, or all, of the following:

• Knowledge of council’s obligations under te Tiriti o Waitangi and an understanding of te Ao Māori
• A working knowledge of hearings and relevant New Zealand legislation
• Highly-developed listening and questioning skills 
• Ability to maintain neutrality and act without bias when considering and assessing applications
• Cultural competency, with the ability and commitment to work effectively with all of Auckland’s diverse communities.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

The Independent Hearing Commissioner role is part-time and candidates need to be available for flexible working hours.  Work will be on an ‘as required’ basis at a set remuneration rate (see FAQ’s for more information) for a term that expires 31 December 2029. 

Successful candidates will be contracted to Auckland Council and not employees of council.

Candidates must apply via the council website www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/careers and will need to provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae and a copy of their accreditation from the Ministry for the Environment.

A copy of the Position Description can be found here.  For a confidential discussion, please contact the Hearings Manager at julie.mckee@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or 0274 909902.

Preference will be given to candidates that reside within the Auckland region.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 31 May 2026.

This is a position of trust and candidates must therefore be prepared to undergo a criminal record check and police vetting prior to commencing employment. Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory police check.