Develop plans and policies for land use, urban development, infrastructure, and environmental management.
Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your Urban and Regional Planner visa pathway.
Get Free Assessment →This occupation qualifies for direct New Zealand residence. With a job offer from an accredited employer and the right qualifications, you can apply for residence immediately — no need to wait two years.
Urban and Regional Planners are in critical shortage across New Zealand's local government and private planning sectors. The country faces enormous planning challenges — housing intensification under the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD), Three Waters reform, infrastructure planning, and coastal hazard adaptation. Qualified planners with RMA (Resource Management Act) experience or transferable international skills are actively sought by councils and consultancies nationwide. Green List Tier 1 means eligible planners can obtain NZ residence directly with an accredited employer job offer. New Zealand's planning system offers genuine career development, complex projects, and the chance to shape communities.
Salaries are based on NZ market data. Regional and rural positions may offer allowances, relocation support, and retention bonuses in addition to base salary.
Source: Immigration NZ Operational Manual (WA3.16) — updated 9 March 2026
Yes. Urban and Regional Planner (ANZSCO 232611) is Green List Tier 1 — Straight to Residence with an accredited employer job offer.
RMA experience is highly valued but not essential to start. Many overseas planners are hired for their transferable skills and learn the RMA on the job. Knowledge of comparable frameworks (UK planning law, Australian planning acts) is a strong foundation.
Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch councils have the highest demand, but councils throughout NZ (Hamilton, Tauranga, Queenstown) are also seeking planners. Consultancies (Beca, GHD, Stantec, Tonkin + Taylor) hire planners nationally.
The New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) is the professional body for planners. Registered Planner status (NZPI MRPI) demonstrates competency and is valued by employers. Overseas planners can transfer their membership from comparable institutes (RTPI, PIA, AICP).
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