Resource and environmental planning is a creative interdisciplinary process that deals with both the natural and human dimensions of the world around us. It recognises and promotes the interdependence of our economy, communities and natural environment.

Planners shape the places in which we live, work and play. They design more liveable, sustainable and resilient cities and regions that respond to rapid economic, environmental, political and technological changes. They help to make sense of the changing world, and design solutions that are innovative, feasible, democratic and sustainable. Planners reconcile conflicting interests by finding common ground to help people create innovative options, then implement agreed-upon solutions.?

Resource and environmental planners design cities and urban areas that are innovative and vibrant, with character and aesthetic appeal.?

They also design efficient and accessible transport systems, create neighbourhoods that are safe and affordable, design productive rural areas that balance economic and environmental goals, and help foster natural areas that conserve indigenous flora and fauna, providing opportunities for active recreation and appreciation and enjoyment of our unique biodiversity. They address the causes and effects of climate change.

The Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning is delivered by?Massey University.

Build skills for the future development of our cities and regions

With a strong focus on sustainable and resilient communities, Massey?s BRP is a unique planning degree that combines both urban and natural resource planning alongside related subjects from science, business and social science. It combines a generalist planning education with a minor in a planning-related discipline. You?ll also complete a minor that meets your particular interests and aspirations beyond university.?

The Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning will help you develop critical thinking skills, the ability to conduct independent research, and the skills to work with others in an integrated manner on challenging projects. Students develop interpersonal, communication, ethical and conflict resolution skills essential for working in teams and interacting with people from diverse cultures, communities and backgrounds.

This develops graduates who are prepared for a variety of careers shaping the places in which we live, work and play.

An established environment of excellence

For 35 years, the Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning has been led by our faculty of passionate staff, and includes a vibrant social scene connecting current students with graduates. It is also renowned for providing an excellent, practically based planning education and has consistently maintained accreditation with the New Zealand Planning Institute for 35 years.

Get connected to industry

Through our professional practice courses and active engagement with local and central government and private sector employers, you?ll gain experience that is in demand locally and globally across both public and private sectors.?

You will:

  • Apply your skills to real-world projects
  • Create links and network with industry practitioners
  • Engage in field and studio work, workshops, role-play and case studies
  • Have close interaction with lecturers and leading practitioners
  • Be in demand for graduate positions

Careers

Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning graduates find jobs quickly, and on average earn around $50,000 in their first year of employment. While rooted in the New Zealand context, the Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning draws on international experience and planning approaches. Graduates can therefore apply their training locally or overseas in a variety of professional and applied environments such as those listed below:

  • City/district councils
  • Regional councils
  • Central government (e.g, Ministry for the Environment, Department of Conservation, New Zealand Transport Agency, Environmental Protection Authority)
  • Private consulting firms and corporates (such as Fonterra)
  • Environmental and other non-governmental organisations

Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning graduates can take on a variety of roles such as:

  • Resource consent planners/ officers
  • Urban planners
  • Environmental planners
  • Transport planners
  • Urban designers
  • Policy analysts