GHD Graduate Program 2026/27 - Graduate Planner (New Zealand)

We’re GHD.

We don’t do hair. But we do straighten out some of the world’s biggest challenges.

We’re engineers, scientists, designers, architects, planners, advisors, innovators and change makers, committed to making energy, water and communities sustainable for generations to come.

Since 1928, we’ve been wholly owned by our employees. Today, we are 11,000 diverse and skilled individuals working in over 160 offices across five continents - Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America, and the Pacific region.

Who could you be at GHD?

Our New Zealand Environmental Planning team is looking for a Graduate Planner to join GHD’s 2027 Graduate cohort, commencing in February 2027. 

As a Graduate Planner, you will:

• Support planning projects across the infrastructure, transport, property, water, energy and community sectors, helping coordinate planning and environmental approvals
• Assist with due diligence assessments and the preparation of resource consent and development applications under relevant legislation and planning frameworks
• Research and analyse planning policies, environmental matters, legislation and statutory requirements to support clear, well-informed advice
• Draft planning assessments, reports, briefing notes, stakeholder correspondence and other project documentation
• Collaborate with planners, engineers, scientists, designers, clients, government agencies, consultants and community stakeholders to develop practical, integrated solutions

What we’re looking for

You’ll be a great fit if you:

• Have graduated, or will complete your studies by the end of 2026, with a degree in Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Planning or a related discipline
• Bring strong research, written communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills, along with an organised and detail-focused approach
• Have an understanding of planning legislation, environmental regulations, and development approvals; or are interested and keen to learn more
• Are based in New Zealand and ready to start alongside our Graduate Program cohort in February 2027

Our two-year Graduate Development Program is designed to give you a smooth start to your consulting career. Alongside your peers, managers and mentors, we’ll help you detangle any challenges along the way. You’ll work collaboratively with colleagues across other disciplines within GHD, as well as with our clients, and connect across the business to build your technical capability and consulting skills.

A frizz-free application process:

We want your journey to be as smooth as possible, so here’s everything you need to help you prep like a pro:

• Your CV: This gives us a snapshot of what you’ve studied and your experiences, both paid and unpaid. 
• A cover letter: Think of this as your chance to show us where you’d love to grow within GHD, while letting your communication skills shine. 
• Your transcript: This helps us understand what you’ve been learning, from your core subjects to the electives that sparked your curiosity. 

Your journey to joining GHD: 

Here’s what to expect, step by step: 

• Screening: We review applications as they come in, but be mindful that the bulk of our screening happens after applications close, so don’t worry if you don’t hear from us right away.  
• Virtual Assessments: If you make it through the first stage, you’ll record some answers to a few straightforward questions and complete some cognitive games. This helps us get a better sense of your work style and alignment to GHD Graduate roles. 
• Meet the team: If you’re successful, you’ll have a face-to-face interview (wherever possible) with your prospective team. We’ll chat through some behavioural based questions to learn more about your skills and experience. It’s also a chance for you to get to know us! 
• Offer: Congratulations! We’ll talk through all the finer details, like salary, your start date, our onboarding process and what to expect before your first day. 

We’re committed to being as inclusive as possible and giving everyone an equitable chance of getting through our application process. If you identify as someone who is neurodiverse or have a disability and need adjustments to any part of the process, let us know in your application form—we’re here to help.

Ready to shine?

If you’ve got your documents polished and prepped, the application should only take 10-15 minutes. Apply now and take the first step toward an exciting career in consulting.

GHD: The Power of Commitment

At GHD, we don’t just believe in the power of commitment, we live and breathe it every day. 

Community impact is important to us, influencing how we work, our projects and how we give back. Our GHD in the Community program partners with not-for-profit organisations so that we can work on pro-bono projects, as well as volunteering and fundraising for philanthropic and humanitarian causes. As a business, we also channel some of our profits into the GHD Foundation, a registered charity that addresses disadvantage and inequality in children accessing STEAM education in the countries where we live and work.

Within GHD, our employee groups and networks help us foster community, find our tribe, and celebrate what makes us unique. These groups play a big part in our global diversity, equity and inclusion strategy, creating spaces for meaningful and safe conversations, connecting with likeminded individuals, and creating a voice to leadership. 

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