Principal Planning Advisor - Wellington
Help shape the future of Education
We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes.
Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
The Principal Planning Advisor contributes expertise to strategies, work programmes and complex system issues to support the achievement of site planning strategies and school property development outcomes across the motu, including establishing a standard approach to school site planning.
You will provide strong, intellectual, analytical and professional leadership in developing and leading school site planning capabilities in support of Ministry’s strategies and government objectives.
This is a permanent, full-time position based in Wellington.
Salary range: $119,171 - $144,560 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.
For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.
About you | Mōhou ake
To be successful in your role, you will contribute to the improvements in school site planning processes and enhance the Ministry's property development planning capabilities to better manage the portfolio in alignment with long-term service goals. Key considerations will include government investment frameworks, architecture, urban planning, stakeholder engagement.
You will bring experience working in a complex organisation as a highly experienced planning adviser, building strong relationships to achieve strategic initiatives and work programmes that have organisational and sector impact. Ideally you have school planning, master and/or urban planning expertise and have proficiency in the use of Sketchup Pro.
You will also:
Provide expert leadership in school site planning and infrastructure, developing and implementing standard processes, tools and frameworks
Contribute to the development and implementation of new planning frameworks, driving the necessary practice shifts to ensure effective operationalisation
Lead the planning and analysis of complex schools and catchments, including managing engagement with external subject matter experts
Lead high-level stakeholder engagement in school planning, including with schools, councils, iwi, and other key partners
Work consistently to established timeframes, managing own input, output and ensuring other contributions are timely
Contribute to the development of internal training programmes, delivering expert training to internal staff
Lead, contribute to, and coordinate working groups, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives
Proactively identify, raise, and manage risks, relationships, and issues in a transparent and effective manner
Provide thought leadership on areas of expertise
Adopt a creative, practical, and proactive approach to problem-solving and resolution in school property, collaborating with relevant Ministry teams
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
You will be working in a small group of highly motivated and strategic minded individuals with a strong focus on constant improvements.
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
The School Property group manages one of the largest property portfolios in Aotearoa New Zealand, composed of over 2,100 primary and secondary state schools and over 8,000 hectares of land with a carrying value of $33.5 billion. Our team is responsible for the portfolio, including school engagement, asset management, capital works delivery, investment planning and portfolio management.
We have a responsibility to invest in property solutions that demonstrate value for money while still delivering the right outcome for our schools and kura. Demand for new or improved school property across the country is high, and the way we meet these needs is to do so more efficiently. We have set financial and timeliness targets for our programme, and we’re looking to improve our planning and delivery, as well as working proactively and collaboratively with schools and the construction sector. This will ensure that our property projects deliver value and are part of an affordable and deliverable programme of works.
The School Property group is led by a Functional Chief Executive for School Property, who reports directly to the Minister for Education. In July 2025 the Government announced it will establish a Crown agent to manage school property, to be called the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA). Implementation of the NZSPA is expected in 2026, subject to the legislation being passed.
Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.
For further information please contact Peter Cui, Manager Business Improvement, peter.cui@education.govt.nz.
Applications close Midnight – Monday 29 September 2025.
We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
