Planning
With a comprehensive understanding of district, regional and national regulatory frameworks, our planners work with clients to achieve streamlined processes through to securing approvals, as well as working with Councils to achieve appropriate planning frameworks
Resource Consent Strategy and Management
Our planning team develops a strategy tailored for every project. This involves identifying potential issues early, managing multidisciplinary technical inputs, and streamlining the path to approval. Our focus is on minimizing risk and avoiding costly delays through proactive project management.
Policy Assessment and Statutory Interpretation
In an evolving legislative landscape, we provide expert analysis of District and Regional Plans, National Environmental Standards, Regional and National Policy Statements, and the Resource Management Act (RMA). Our team excels at interpreting complex policy frameworks to ensure that project designs are fundamentally aligned with both current regulations and emerging policy shifts.
Pre-application and Council Engagement
We believe that successful outcomes are built on collaborative relationships. By leading pre-application meetings and maintaining open channels of communication with council officers, we address potential points of contention before a formal lodgement. This “no-surprises” approach fosters trust and facilitates a smoother, more predictable consenting process.
Effects Assessments and Planning Documentation
Our team prepares comprehensive Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE) and supporting planning reports. We translate technical engineering, environmental, and architectural information into clear and well-reasoned planning assessments and liaise with external specialists to ensure all potential adverse effects are appropriately identified, assessed, and addressed. Our reports are carefully prepared to meet all relevant statutory requirements, providing a robust evaluation of environmental effects, the planning framework, and any proposed mitigation measures. We present balanced and professional planning advice that assists decision-makers in understanding the proposal and its potential effects.
Support Through Hearings and Approvals Processes
Should a project require notification or a council hearing, we provide expert evidence, coordinating with legal counsel when required and attending hearings. Discussion of potential conditions through this process achieves a positive outcome to applications.