Policy Planning Services in Hawke’s Bay

Good planning policy is the foundation for well-managed growth and resilient communities. Whether it’s enabling housing, protecting the environment, or guiding rural development, clear and effective policy supports better decision-making for everyone involved.

At Goodplan!, we work alongside councils, iwi, landowners, and developers to create planning policy that is practical, defensible, and aligned with real-world outcomes. We also help clients understand how planning rules affect them, draft submissions on policy changes, and represent their interests in hearings and beyond.

Based in Hawke’s Bay, we’re experienced in both the District and Regional planning frameworks and regularly work with documents like the Hastings and Napier District Plans and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Policy Statement and Regional Plan.

Our goal is to help shape planning rules that are clear, future-focused, and responsive to the needs of the community.

Policy Framework Development

Whether you’re a council updating your District Plan, or a landowner seeking to influence how growth is managed in your area, I can help you design a planning policy framework that works.

My years of experience range from rezoning provisions and rural subdivision controls to urban intensification frameworks and input into design guidelines.

For councils, I can provide end-to-end support in policy review projects, including issues and options reporting, section 32 analysis, consultation support, and drafting of plan provisions. For private clients, I’ll assist in shaping policy responses that protect or unlock development potential.

A key aspect of my role is to ensure that policy aligns with national direction, including requirements under instruments like the National Policy Statement for Urban Development (NPS-UD) or Freshwater Management (NPS-FM).

Plan Submissions and Hearings

Changes to District and Regional Plans can significantly impact what you can or can’t do on your land. Whether you're concerned about rezoning, overlays, natural hazards, infrastructure planning, or development capacity, a well-prepared submission can make all the difference.

Goodplan! drafts clear, targeted submissions that link back to planning policy and statutory objectives. I’ll prepare you for hearings, develop planning evidence, and, if needed, assist with Environment Court appeals or mediation.

I have successfully represented a wide range of clients over the years including developers, primary producers, businesses, iwi, and community groups.

Stakeholder Engagement and Workshops

Successful policy is built on community input. I can design and run workshops, community open days, stakeholder forums, and iwi engagement sessions that gather meaningful feedback.

Whether you are leading a council-led plan review, managing a private plan change, or responding to national direction, I’ll ensure engagement is inclusive, well-structured, and productive.

Advice on National and Regional Policy

Staying on top of national planning direction is more important than ever. National Policy Statements (NPS), National Environmental Standards (NES), and Regional Policy Statements are reshaping what can be developed and where.

I can provide clear, practical advice on how these policies affect your property, development, or community. This includes:

  • Interpreting changes under the NPS-UD, NPS-HPL, NPS-FM, and other instruments

  • Assessing policy implications for plan changes or resource consents

  • Identifying opportunities for growth, intensification, or conservation

  • Advising on submissions to central government consultations

With a trusted network of professionals across both planning, design and law, I can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Why Choose Goodplan?

I’ll simplify complex policy so you can understand what it means for your project or your land

I have made a career out of focussing on real outcomes — not just ticking boxes — to help shape policy that works in practice

I’ll represent your interests in local hearings, appeals, and national processes

I’m an experienced facilitators who know how to lead effective engagement and resolve conflicts

I’m based in Hawke’s Bay and have deep knowledge of the region’s planning challenges and opportunities

FAQ

  • Yes. Anyone can make a submission if they believe they are affected by a proposed plan change, regardless of whether they own property in the area.

  • In some cases, you may be able to make a further submission or become involved at the appeal stage. Contact me quickly and I can assess your options.

  • Yes. I assist with evidence preparation, case strategy, and expert coordination for appeals and mediations in the Environment Court.

  • District Plans are reviewed every 10 years, but plan changes and variations can be introduced at any time. Regional plans also change more frequently to reflect environmental and national policy updates.

  • District Plans (managed by territorial authorities like Hastings District Council) deal with land use, subdivisions, and zoning. Regional Plans (managed by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council) deal with air, water, soil, and other environmental resources. Both can affect your project, depending on the nature of the activity.