Join South Waikato District Council and help shape the future of one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions. Based in Tokoroa, this leadership role is your chance to lead a talented and passionate team delivering high-quality resource consent services that support our district’s sustainable growth.

Te āheinga: The opportunity

As Resource Consents Manager, you'll lead our dynamic consents and compliance team, overseeing end-to-end management of resource consent processing, monitoring, and enforcement under the Resource Management Act. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical expertise, ensuring efficient processes, consistent decision-making and excellent customer experience.

Nga Kawenga me nga Mahi: Responsibilities and Duties

In this role, you will:

• Lead and mentor a team of planners, fostering a culture of collaboration and professional growth.
• Oversee all resource consent administration, assessments and hearings.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders, elected members, and external stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with iwi, developers, and community partners.
• Champion continuous improvement, quality assurance, and effective systems management.
• Undertake budget planning, forecasting, and expenditure control for the Resource Consents team, ensuring financial performance aligns with Council’s Long-Term and Annual Plans.​
• Monitor and report on operational expenditure, maintaining transparency and accountability across all consenting and compliance activities.​
• Prepare cost recovery strategies, manage consent processing fees, and ensure compliance with and maintenance of the Council’s Schedule of Fees and Charges.​
• Authorise procurement, contracts, and service payments within delegated financial thresholds, ensuring compliance with the Council’s financial policies and procurement procedures.​
• Support continuous improvement by identifying efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities in service delivery processes.​
• Contribute to the preparation of business cases and funding proposals related to resource management or environmental services initiatives.​
• Ensure alignment of team budgets and activities with the wider Regulatory Services financial strategy, providing input to strategic planning and performance reporting.
• Demonstrate an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and commitment to respectful engagement with tangata whenua and Māori authorities.
• Play a key role in leading the team through upcoming resource management reform.

He kōrero mōu: About you

We are looking for someone with:

• A planning or environmental management degree (NZPI membership desirable).
• 8+ years’ proven experience in resource management or local government.
• Strong knowledge of the RMA and local government planning processes.
• Confident communicator and relationship builder with excellent leadership skills.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

Outside of work benefits, we also offer:

• Free flu vaccinations
• Subsidised skin checks and eye tests
• Training and development
• Additional Christmas leave (Council days)
• Free parking
• Flexible working arrangements

Why South Waikato?
You’ll join a forward-thinking, people-focused Council committed to seeing our communities thrive. We offer flexible working options, professional development, and the opportunity to make a real difference in a district that’s growing fast and values innovation, sustainability, and partnership.

If you have any questions or would like to view the full Position Description, please email careers@southwaikato.govt.nz.

We have a strong safety culture so we require preferred candidates to undergo pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. Please note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.

Applications close on 4 January 2026. We will begin shortlisting and interviews in January 2026. Please note our office will be closed from 19 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.