Project Manager - Hearings

• Fixed term until approx. mid 2027
• Hybrid role with flexible working based in Auckland Central. Minimum 3 days per week in office
• Salary will be $119,537 to $140,420 + KiwiSaver contribution
• Have an interest in Auckland’s development and environment
• Passion for helping Aucklanders

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

This is a fixed term secondment opportunity to work alongside the Hearing Panel Manager and Hearings Process Manager to formulate, implement and manage the hearing processes associated with proposed Plan Change 120 Housing intensification and resilience.

This will involve providing project management to assist the hearings panel (IHP) with considering all submissions, holding hearings (including all pre-hearing processes), supporting, and recording deliberations, assisting with drafting and then the completion of recommendations back to Council. You will need to be forward-thinking to find innovative solutions to achieve the hearings within the timeframe set by central government.

The role will work closely with the Independent Hearings Panel Manager on a day-to-day basis ensuring excellent, high value relationships are built and maintained with all stakeholders including the IHP Chairperson and panel members, a pool of mediators and facilitators and the participants in the hearings.

This is both an exciting and challenging opportunity to be fundamentally involved in one of the largest plan change hearing processes for the largest city in New Zealand.

For a copy of the position description please click here

He kōrero mōu: About you

You will be self-motivated with a high degree of initiative and the ability to problem solve and manage significant workloads with competing demands. In addition, you will have a high level of political acumen, judgement, diplomacy and negotiation skills and a strong ability to build positive trusting relationships.

You will have a tertiary qualification with a relevant degree in planning, public policy, public management, humanities, business, finance, or law. In addition, you will have at least 5 years’ experience with project management or planning in a local government environment (leadership experience would be an advantage).

Lastly you will have an excellent understanding of the current legislation around the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Streamlined Planning Process.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

Auckland Council is the largest local government council across Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people and contributing towards making Tāmaki Makaurau a world-class city.

We offer a range of employee benefits and proudly support flexible working options where possible. View a snapshot of some of our employee benefits HERE.

We are a diverse organisation – we value diversity in our thinking, and we can only achieve that with a diverse team!

Help us make a difference to Tāmaki Makaurau.

Tell us why you are interested in this opportunity and apply via the link.

Applications close: Sunday 9 November 2025 @ 11:59 pm    

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.
 
Employees in receipt of salary protection and/or on the predecessor Council terms and conditions of employment, please note that the salary protection and/or predecessor Council terms and conditions, including relocation, apply to your current position. Should you change to a new position (other than any secondment) you will be issued with a new employment letter of offer with current Auckland Council terms and conditions.