'%20fill='black'%20stroke='black'%20stroke-width='0.5'/%3e%3crect%20x='8.75'%20y='4.75'%20width='8.5'%20height='0.5'%20transform='rotate(-180%208.75%204.75)'%20fill='black'%20stroke='black'%20stroke-width='0.5'/%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
Damienne Donaldson
Principal Planner
Planning & resource management
We provide planning advice for land use and subdivision projects across the South Island, supporting you from early feasibility and site scoping through to resource consent and development.
Feasibility through to resource consent Planning, surveying & engineering together Land use, subdivision & AEE advice Feasibility through to resource consent Planning, surveying & engineering together Land use, subdivision & AEE advice Feasibility through to resource consent Planning, surveying & engineering together Land use, subdivision & AEE advice Feasibility through to resource consent Planning, surveying & engineering together Land use, subdivision & AEE advice
OUR SERVICES
:format(webp))
When a project needs resource consent, we help explain what’s required and guide you through the process.
Our planning team helps make sense of New Zealand’s planning framework by providing clear advice and preparing resource consent applications. We also prepare assessments of environmental effects (AEEs), coordinate technical inputs and work directly with councils.
From residential and commercial developments through to industrial, rural and subdivision projects, we provide early planning advice and detailed documentation. This helps identify planning and project considerations that need to be worked through as part of the consenting process.
:format(webp))
We provide early planning input to work through land use development requirements and constraints.
We work alongside developers, landowners and multidisciplinary teams to support land use development projects that are aligned with the district plan and legislative requirements. Our planners are often involved early, including during development feasibility and site scoping, so planning considerations such as zoning, infrastructure and environmental matters can be worked through as the project develops.
This approach helps bring planning considerations into early decision-making as designs begin to take shape.
:format(webp))
When a project involves subdivision, we help make sense of subdivision rules, requirements and consenting considerations.
Subdivision projects have specific planning requirements, and it’s helpful to understand these early. We support subdivision planning by reviewing relevant rules, identifying constraints and opportunities and outlining consenting pathways based on the applicable planning framework.
Our planners prepare planning assessments and coordinate inputs from our surveying and engineering teams and other specialists where needed. The focus is on providing clear, well‑structured documentation that supports council requirements.
:format(webp))
Clear planning assessments and expert input for submissions, hearings and formal processes.
We prepare planning assessments and submissions to support a range of planning processes, including notified resource consents and plan-related matters. Our role is to help planning issues, effects and policy considerations be clearly set out and supported with appropriate evidence.
Where required, our planners also present expert planning evidence at hearings. This work is grounded in the relevant planning framework and local context, with a focus on clear explanation rather than advocacy.
:format(webp))
Understanding how environmental considerations fit within the planning framework.
Where projects involve environmental considerations, we provide planning assessment and coordination. This can include matters such as natural hazards, water quality, contaminated land, ecological values and cultural considerations.
Our planners work closely with specialist consultants to integrate environmental inputs and prepare the required planning assessments.
HOW WE HELP
Supporting developers, councils, iwi and communities by providing planning guidance that turns ideas into projects.
Our planners work across all stages of development, from early feasibility assessments through consenting, design integration and final approvals. We bring a collaborative, solution-focused approach to every project, keeping stakeholders informed and enabling risks to be managed and outcomes to be aligned with local planning frameworks and long-term community goals.
01
PROPERTY DEVELOPERS
End‑to‑end planning support that helps clients understand development opportunities, consenting requirements and the process for progressing residential, commercial and mixed-use projects.
02
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Evidence-based policy advice, assessments, consent processing and expert input to support strategic growth, plan changes and robust decision-making.
03
IWI AND PARTNERS
Collaborative planning that recognises cultural values, environmental stewardship and long-term aspirations for land and communities.
04
LANDOWNERS
Clear guidance on development potential, zoning, district plan requirements and practical pathways to unlock land value or improve productivity.
Contact our leaders
Have a project in mind? Contact our multidisciplinary team to see how we can help.
Our full team:format(webp))
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
Planning spans multiple disciplines and requires balancing our own expertise, expert reports, and the legislative framework to navigate the process and achieve the best outcome for clients. Our team have extensive knowledge and experience, and we love a good challenge.
Damienne Donaldson
Principal Planner
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
:format(webp))
Talk to a Planner
Tell us about your project or what you need and we’ll be in touch.
FAQ
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
Planners help interpret planning rules, assess what’s possible on a site and guide projects through planning and consenting processes. Engaging a planner early, often during development feasibility or site scoping, helps identify planning considerations, constraints and opportunities before detailed design.
A resource consent is a formal approval required when a proposed activity or development does not meet the rules in a District Plan or Regional Plan, National Standards or when those plans specify that consent is needed. Resource consent is also required for all subdivisions of land.
Resource consents are sometimes referred to as land use consents, depending on the type of activity involved.
There are different categories of resource consents, ranging from controlled activities through to noncomplying activities. Each category has different assessment requirements, which influence the level of information needed and how an application is considered.
That depends on the district plan, zoning, the type of activity proposed and the effects of the development. Some activities are permitted, while others require resource consent. Our team can assist you with identifying what aspects of your proposal require resource consent and provide an assessment of the environmental effects associated with them.
Timeframes vary depending on project complexity, council requirements and whether an application is notified. Statutory processing timeframes apply once an application is accepted as complete, and preparation time also needs to be considered. We talk through likely timeframes early so expectations are clear.
This depends on the site and proposal. Typically, applications include site plans, an assessment of environmental effects (AEE) and supporting technical reports such as traffic, servicing, geotechnical, environmental or ecological inputs. For some sites, this may also include heritage or archaeological assessments. We coordinate specialist inputs and prepare the planning documentation required for council review.
Yes. We prepare submissions and provide planning input for district and regional plan processes, including plan changes, reviews and hearings. This involves assessing planning provisions, policy implications and potential effects and clearly setting out planning matters for consideration. Where required, our planners also provide expert planning evidence at hearings.
If an application is notified, members of the public may make submissions, and the process includes additional steps, such as hearings. We support clients through these stages by preparing planning responses, coordinating specialist input where needed and providing planning advice and expert evidence as part of the process.
A resource consent may require the involvement of other specialists such as traffic engineers, architects and landscape architects. We have a wide network of related and trusted professionals that we can call on and manage on your behalf to make the process as stress-free and seamless as possible.
We can provide high-level planning input early, including before purchase. These early reviews consider zoning, district plan rules and key planning constraints or opportunities, helping inform development feasibility and next steps.