Urban/Regional Planner
Urban/regional planners develop and administer plans for physical, environmental, social and economic development of urban and rural areas.
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Pay per yearGraduate Senior |
Job opportunitiesGood |
What you'll do
Urban/regional planners may do some or all of the following:
- Plan and design buildings, streets, subdivisions, parks, reserves or sports facilities
- Prepare plans up to 20 years ahead
- Examine how areas are developing and the effect of proposed developments
- Collect and analyse economic, social and environmental data
- Manage projects, including communications strategies
- Write and present reports on behalf of councils, companies, applicants and submitters at resource consent, environmental, and other hearings
Entry requirements
To become an urban/regional planner you usually need to have a degree listed on the New Zealand Planning Institute's accredited course list, such as a Master of Planning.
For more information about your study options see: Areas of specialisation: Environment
Personal requirements
Urban/regional planners need to be:
- Able to relate to a wide range of people
- Strong communicators
- Good at risk analysis
- Able to handle conflict
- Open-minded
- Persuasive
What are the chances of getting a job?
Chances of getting work as an urban/regional planner are good due to strong demand for workers. One reason for
this is the high level of population growth in New Zealand's main centres.
Opportunities for employment are greater in Auckland than in the rest of New Zealand.
Building up experience while you study can increase your chances of getting planning work once you graduate. Doing work experience or internships also helps you meet people in the planning industry.
Urban/regional planners may work for:
- Local authorities such as city and district councils
- Government departments
- Private consulting firms
- Universities
Student profiles
Check out some of our current students and recent graduates. They're doing great things.
This information is a guide only. Last updated 13 November 2023.