Independent Hearings Panel Manager

• Lead a team that will support the RMA hearings processes 
• Hybrid role with flexible working based in Auckland Central. Minimum 3 days per week in office
• Salary will be $140,650 to $180,000 + KiwiSaver contribution

He angitūtanga: The opportunity 

Independent Hearings Panel Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Independent Hearings Panel Unit supporting the hearings processes associated with proposed Plan Change 120 Housing intensification and resilience. This is a fixed term secondment opportunity for approximately 2 years (subject to possible future plan change 120 directions from central government). This management role is critical to the Plan Change 120 hearings running successfully and enabling recommendations back to council on this plan change. You will lead a unit of up to 12 staff and form and maintain relationships across the Chair and all panel members, participants in the hearings, a pool of mediators and facilitators, central government officials and back to council itself. You will have a track record and understanding of RMA hearings and ideally of plan change 120 itself. This will be both exciting and challenging as you are called upon in a key role to ensure adherence to statute, utilisation of innovate alternative dispute resolution methods, specialist support across planning, hearing support, project management and GIS. You will be a natural leader who will hit the ground running, build a team, and chart a course together with the panel Chair and your leadership team. Career catapulting opportunities like this do not come up often.

Click link to access the position description.

He kōrero mōu: About you

To be considered for this position, you will need:

• A bachelor’s degree in planning, resource management law, urban design, or related discipline
• Membership or eligibility for membership of a professional institute
• Ideally at least ten years’ experience as a people leader

Applications close on Sunday 2 November 2025 at 11:59pm. 

However, please note that early applications are encouraged as interviews will be conducted as and when applications are received – so apply now to avoid disappointment.

#WorkingForAuckland #IndependentHearings #Planning #ResourceManagement #UrbanDesign

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.