Consent Coordination and Support in Hawke’s Bay

Securing resource consent in Hawke’s Bay is one of the most important steps in any development project. Whether you’re subdividing rural land in Maraekakaho, building near a waterway in Waipawa, upgrading infrastructure in Havelock North, or changing land use in Napier, the consent process can be complex and time-consuming. At Goodplan, I will take the stress out of consenting by managing the process on your behalf.

I work with clients across Napier, Hastings, Havelock North, and the wider Hawke’s Bay region to prepare, submit, and manage resource consent applications. I understand the intricacies of both the District and Regional planning frameworks and have positive relationships with the teams at local councils, including Hastings District Council, Napier District Council, other territorial authorities and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. Our goal is simple: to get your consent approved as smoothly and efficiently as possible, with conditions that are workable for your project.

Consent Application Management

We lead the preparation of all types of resource consents, particularly land use and subdivision consents. From concept to lodgement, my job is to ensure your application meets the statutory requirements of all relevant planning documents and national statutes.

My role often includes coordinating technical input from a range of specialists, such as:

  • Surveyors

  • Civil and structural engineers

  • Ecologists and freshwater scientists

  • Geotechnical experts

  • Cultural impact assessors

  • Landscape architects and urban designers

  • Traffic and infrastructure consultants

I’ll review all inputs to ensure they align with each other and support the overall planning narrative. This makes your application stronger and reduces the risk of delays caused by inconsistent or incomplete information and will distil the key technical assessments into a robust Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE) which also includes:

  • Supporting technical reports and drawings

  • Notification assessments

  • Affected party approvals (if required)

  • Statutory checklists and lodgement forms

Liaison with Councils and Agencies

A key part of the consent process is managing relationships with the council and other regulatory bodies. My approach is to proactively engage with council planners and processing officers to clarify expectations and maximise the chances of success for a smooth application pathway. Where beneficial, I’ll arrange pre-application meetings to raise any red flags early and build a collaborative approach with council staff.

I’ll also liaise with other agencies and stakeholders as may be needed including:

  • Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC)

  • Heritage New Zealand

  • Department of Conservation (DOC)

  • Waka Kotahi (NZTA)

  • Iwi and hapū representatives

  • Adjacent landowners and interested parties

My role through the process includes managing any formal requests for further information (s92), negotiating draft consent conditions, and facilitating affected party approvals. With my guidance, clients can avoid unnecessary delays and reduce the risk of notification or refusal.

Hearings and Evidence Support

If your consent application is notified or progresses to a hearing, I’ll represent you confidently and ethically. I’m well versed in the intricacies of both limited and full notification processes and know what’s required to demonstrate that a proposal can align with planning objectives and policies.

Whether you’re facing opposition from neighbours, iwi concerns, or a challenging policy context, we will provide you with sound advice and represent you with professionalism, integrity and clarity.

Post-Consent Compliance and Support

My service to you doesn’t necessarily stop when your consent is granted. I can provide ongoing support throughout the post-consent phase, including:

  • Compliance with consent conditions

  • Preparation of management plans (e.g., erosion control, construction management)

  • Applications to vary consent conditions under s127

  • Extensions of lapse dates (s125)

  • Assistance with council certifications and development contributions

  • Advice on staging and implementation

  • Liaison with contractors and project managers

By staying involved beyond consent, I’ll help you to stay compliant, on time, and on budget. My proactive approach ensures any potential issues are addressed early.

Why Choose Goodplan?

End-to-end service:

From scoping and strategy to consent lodgement, hearings, and post-approval support

Clear communication:

I keep you informed at every step and manage all interactions with the council

Local relationships:

I know the people and processes at Napier City Council, Hastings District Council, and HBRC

Specialist coordination

I bring together the right technical experts to build a strong, well-supported application

Outcome focused:

My advice is practical, strategic, and designed to get results

FAQ

  • You’ll need a resource consent for any activity that doesn’t meet the permitted rules in your District or Regional Plan. This includes subdivisions, building near waterbodies, earthworks on steep slopes, changes in land use, and discharges to land or water.

  • Simple, non-notified consents typically take 20–40 working days once lodged. More complex or notified applications can take several months depending on the need for public consultation or additional reports.

  • Yes. Architects and engineers handle design and technical drawings, while planners manage the regulatory process. A planner ensures your application complies with planning rules and is more likely to be approved.

  • This is common. I manage the process and coordinate with your consultants to prepare clear, targeted responses that address the council’s concerns without unnecessary delay.

  • Yes. I can review declined consents, advise on appeals, or help you apply to change conditions to better suit your project’s needs.