Senior Event Planning Specialist - ATOC at New Zealand Transport Agency, Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Play a pivotal role in keeping Auckland moving by identifying, assessing and coordinating responses to major events and activities.
• Collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to deliver safe, efficient journeys for all.
• Join a passionate team at the heart of Auckland's transport operations (covering Local roads and State Highways)
• Auckland (Takapuna), Full-time, Permanent position

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We're looking for a Senior Event Planning Specialist to join the Auckland Transport Operations Centre (ATOC) team. In this role, you'll plan and coordinate ATOC's response to a diverse range of events and activities, helping to mitigate the impact on the transport network and enable more efficient, reliable journeys for our customers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with and building strong relationships with stakeholders (Police, Auckland Council, event organisers, traffic management providers, and more) to gather operational intelligence and develop comprehensive event plans.
• Assessing and mitigating the impact of activities on the transport network.
• Leading continuous improvement initiatives to enhance ATOC's response to unplanned events within the transport system
• Developing operational recommendations and real-time response plans for ATOC's Real Time Operations team.
• Reviewing traffic management plans and supporting the delivery of activities.
• Working with marketing and communications teams to create effective, customer-centric communications.
• Leading reporting, forecasting, and data analysis for events.
• Managing contractors and budgets associated with event delivery.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to Event Planning Specialist and other team members to build team capability.
• Lead ATOC Incident Management Teams as required
• Supporting the planning and delivery of major events, including some evening and weekend work.
• Covering the Event Planning Lead as required

You will find out more about the role here: Position Description.

Appointment salary is between $109,408 - $121,564 commensurate to skills and experience.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

• 5+ years' experience in a planning role, ideally with a transport focus.
• Senior-level stakeholder engagement experience.
• The ability to lead and mentor staff
• Site Traffic Management Specialist Category C (training provided if required).
• CIMS 4 (training provided if required).
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational and analytical abilities.
• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends as required.
• You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public service.

Mō mātou | About Us

ATOC is a joint venture between Auckland Transport and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), working behind the scenes to keep people and freight moving. Our team leads the planning and delivery of ATOC's response to a diverse range of events and activities, ensuring anyone who uses the transport network has a safe and efficient journey.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return

At NZTA, you'll join a team that values collaboration, courage, and delivering great outcomes for Aotearoa. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive, inclusive culture.

Along with our other benefits, we also have 5 weeks annual leave and an Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance scheme available for all permanent employees.

Ready to take the next step in your career? We'd love to hear from you. Apply today and join our team who is going places.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:

Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Rā Katinga | Applications close: 1 February 2026

Please note: Applications will be reviewed after the close date, and applicants will be updated within two weeks of the close date.

For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

NZTA| Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.