Planning Services in Hawke’s Bay

If you're planning to build, subdivide, or develop land in Hawke’s Bay, solid planning advice is essential. A successful development starts well before the first shovel hits the ground. At Goodplan!, I’ll help you get started the right way with expert support for feasibility assessments, pre-purchase due diligence, community engagement, and private plan change requests.

I work throughout the region and beyond, including Napier, Hastings, Havelock North, Central Hawke’s Bay, and Wairoa. My knowledge of local planning rules and council expectations means I can provide strategic insights that save you time, reduce costs, and improve your chances of approval.

Whether you're a landowner, investor, developer, iwi trust, or community organisation, I’ll tailor planning advice to match your goals, audience and your site.

Feasibility and Due Diligence

Before you buy land or commit to a development project, it’s essential to understand what’s possible under the relevant planning rules. Every piece of land is different, and so are the zoning controls, overlays, and environmental constraints that apply.Property files often contain huge amounts of information, I know what to look for amongst those documents that can have an influence on your land.

I’ll assess your site against the Hawke’s Bay District Plans and Regional Plans to determine whether your proposed development is permitted, controlled, restricted discretionary, or non-complying. We consider a range of factors, including:

  • Land use zoning

  • Minimum lot sizes for subdivision

  • Natural hazards (flooding, erosion, liquefaction)

  • Heritage, archaeological, and ecological overlays

  • Infrastructure capacity and access

  • Regional policies or environmental limits

My feasibility reports are tailored to you, clear, to the point, and designed to help you make an informed decision. They often form the basis of pre-application discussions with council and help identify any specialist reports you may need down the track.

For clients considering land purchase, a pre-purchase planning review can provide peace of mind and reduce the risk of buying a site that cannot be developed the way you intend.

Structure Planning and Community Engagement

When a development involves multiple stages, large areas, or multiple landowners, structure planning is often required. A structure plan outlines how an area will be developed over time, showing road layouts, land use types, green space networks, stormwater management, and servicing strategies.

I can lead the structure planning process in collaboration with local councils, iwi, engineers, and community stakeholders. My approach ensures that development is coordinated, sustainable, and able to be serviced appropriately.

I can also facilitate community and stakeholder engagement as part of this process. Whether you’re planning a private development or working as part of a council-led urban growth strategy, our consultation sessions are designed to be constructive and inclusive. There are many tools that can be used to host design charrettes, drop-in sessions, and workshops that build trust and reduce conflict.

A well-prepared structure plan helps with consenting and ensures that future development aligns with local strategies and community expectations.

Private Plan Change Requests

Not every development can fit within the current rules. If your proposal doesn’t comply with the existing zoning or District Plan provisions, a private plan change may be your best option.

Goodplan! specialises in preparing and managing private plan change requests. I’ll start by evaluating whether a plan change is the right approach for your situation. If it is, I’ll help you define the scope of the proposal and begin early engagement with the relevant council and stakeholders.

My services include:

  • Drafting new planning provisions

  • Preparing Section 32 evaluation reports

  • Developing planning maps and proposed zoning boundaries

  • Coordinating with technical experts (e.g., ecology, engineering, economics, iwi)

  • Managing the public notification and submission process

  • Preparing hearing evidence and attending council or Environment Court hearings

I’ll take a proactive approach to communication, managing relationships with council planning teams, iwi authorities, and affected landowners. A successful plan change can significantly increase land value, unlock development capacity, and align your project with long-term growth strategies.

Strategic Planning and Consent Advice

Many projects benefit from high-level planning input before the resource consent process begins. I’ll help you map out the most efficient and effective way to get from concept to consent.

This includes advice on:

  • Consent staging and bundling

  • Notification risks and how to minimise them

  • Pre-application strategy

  • Identifying the right timing to engage with consultants or stakeholders

  • Navigating potential policy changes or council plan reviews

Good strategic advice can save months of delay and thousands in unnecessary costs. I”ll aim to give our clients a clear path forward, backed by strong planning rationale and local insight.

Why Choose Goodplan?

Deep local experience:

I understand the planning environment across Napier, Hastings and Central Hawkes Bay.

Collaborative approach:

I work closely with councils, iwi, and technical experts

Outcome-focused advice:

I’ll balance planning requirements with your development objectives

End-to-end support:

From concept and feasibility to plan changes and council hearings, I can assist you every step of the way

FAQ

  • It’s an early-stage review of what you can do on a property. I’ll look at zoning, overlays, and planning rules so you know what’s possible before you invest.

  • It depends on the scope and council processes, but most plan change processes take 12 to 24 months from start to finish, including public consultation and hearings.

  • As early as possible. Even before buying a property, I can help you avoid risks and find the best development approach.

  • Yes. That’s exactly where I come in. I'll assess whether you need a resource consent, a plan change, or both — and guide you through the most efficient option.