Education & Careers > Planning as a Career
Planning as a Career
If you answer YES to the following, then planning might be the job for you!
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You want a say in shaping the future
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You want a lively, active, interesting job that’ll take you place
Planning work is extremely varied. There are different issues and problems to be found throughout the country ? in cities, towns, rural areas, and coastal areas. The size of the employing organization may also influence the type of planning work.
Planners spend a lot of time dealing with the public, other professionals and business organizations. You need to be able to work as a member of a team, and gather and use information wisely to help those making business or planning decisions.
A key skill needed by planners is the ability to bring together a wide range of information, and to present it in a concise and analytical manner. Gathering information requires both qualitative and quantitative research skills. Data must be analyzed, options assessed and recommendations made on the best option.
The diversity of planning work means that you can develop your career as it suits you. You may choose different aspects of planning at any stage of your career. You may find that you enjoy direct contact with the public and wish to concentrate on administration; you may prefer research and data analysis; or your creative and innovative talent may be used in developing new planning policies and techniques.
Useful Information
Why Plan
Where Planners Work
Required Skills & Knowledge
Tasks & Duties
Career Prospects
Pay
Pay varies depending on skills and experience.
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Planners with up to five years' experience usually earn between $60,000 and $77,000 a year.
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Senior planners with up to ten years' experience usually earn between $90,000 and $105,000.
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Principal planners, or planners in a leadership role, usually earn between $96,000 and $150,000.
The New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) undertakes an annual survey of NZ based planners to inform its membership of trends in salaries throughout the industry.
This survey provides a snapshot of remuneration, qualifications, and conditions within the planning profession, making it a valuable source of information for members, job seekers and recruiters. The results of 2017 survey are now available, NZPI members can access their FREE copy here - individuals and employers can purchase a copy using the below form:
Where to Study
Support while Studying
[Information about NZPI Student membership and the Emerging Planners Group to go here]