Janine Speedy loves a plan. So it’s a good thing she’s leading the team working on one of the biggest plans we have.
Janine’s team works on the rule book that shapes where and how development occurs in Tauranga – our Tauranga City Plan. It’s the blueprint by which any development in Tauranga is managed.
The City Plan covers residential, commercial, and industrial land use. The plan looks at subdivision, land use and development, how and where the city grows, how infrastructure is located, and how natural and physical resources are managed.
The team works with council colleagues and external stakeholders on a huge breadth of projects. From pondering how we protect our natural environment, to how we’ll provide the housing to meet our community’s needs, the work is complex, interesting and varied – no day is the same as the next.
Janine has always worked in resource management policy, and arrived at TCC in 2015 as an intermediate planner. Planning job titles typically relate to experience, qualifications, and professional development over the course of a planner’s career. During her time with TCC Janine has progressed through to her current position, overseeing eight people with a variety of experience and expertise.
Community engagement is a huge part of the role. Janine and the team can often be found in malls or at events, talking with the community about changes to the City Plan, so exceptional communication skills and the ability to present complex projects in a palatable way are must-haves. Other key skills are RMA planning, policy and project management, project and people leadership, research, and an understanding of tikanga Māori.
Janine loves the interesting projects they progress to meet the needs of our growing community. “We have so many opportunities to be involved and input into highly complex, but also exciting, projects that will change and shape the city. Council is a great place to grow your career while giving back to the community”.
