Planning + Environment
If you would like to discuss how we might help you with your project or ongoing compliance, then please contact our team
Our specialist Planning and Environment team is highly experienced in guiding clients through the intricate landscape of land use, zoning, and environmental regulations. We recognise the crucial balance between fostering innovation and increasing productivity and safeguarding our natural resources for future generations.
We advise a diverse range of private and public sector clients with significant development interests across the country. Whether dealing with high-producing farms, pristine natural landscapes, rural land development, or critical infrastructure in the Primary sector, we provide solution-oriented advice that aligns the myriad of natural resource management legislation with community and commercial interests.
Our expertise encompasses all stages of project management - from conducting complex due diligence investigations for large rural land and infrastructure acquisitions, to advising on resource management planning and environmental law for new infrastructure projects such as irrigation schemes, airports, ski fields, and other large-scale development such as housing subdivisions.
We also manage the consent application process end-to-end, including preparing applications with local planners, preparing expert witnesses and evidence briefs, and representing clients in hearings in the Environment Court for various RMA proceedings.
We regularly assist our clients through the multi-layered policy and planning framework and determine what you can or cannot do. We also navigate consent holders through compliance or enforcement processes, should the need ever arise.
Our team can also advise and represent you through all stages of a plan review, including making submissions supporting or opposing proposed district or regional plan changes and regional policy statements, project managing evidence, and representing you in council hearings. We can also guide you through re-zoning applications under the plan review process or through private plan changes.
Our proactive approach, combined with deep knowledge of the Primary sector and collaboration with planners, ecologists, engineers, hydrology experts, and architects, ensure that your projects proceed smoothly and efficiently, addressing potential legal challenges before they arise.