10 December 2018
Dear Clients and Colleagues,
At the holiday season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. We say thank you and are looking forward to working with you in the future.
Dear Clients and Colleagues,
At the holiday season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. We say thank you and are looking forward to working with you in the future.
4 December 2018
11 Surrey Cres - Cohaus
In essence, the applicant sought combined Land Use and Subdivision consent for a 20-unit Integrated Residential Development and villa relocation at 11 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn as a Discretionary Activity.
11 Surrey Cres - Cohaus
In essence, the applicant sought combined Land Use and Subdivision consent for a 20-unit Integrated Residential Development and villa relocation at 11 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn as a Discretionary Activity.
| 11_surrey_cres_-_decision__amended_s133a___1_.pdf |
13 August 2018
PC 3 - Stockade Hill
The purpose of PC 3 is to protect views of the Hauraki Gulf and its islands from Stockade Hill, Howick. The plan change also seeks to recognise the significant
visual connection between Stockade Hill and the Hauraki Gulf and the associated historic heritage value of the views to this coastal environment, therefore preserving an important piece of history for Howick.
| pc3-final-decision-august-2018.pdf |
21 March 2018
7 Papakura -Clevedon Rd
The applicant has proposed modifications to the existing commercial building which is located within the historic heritage overlay extent of place under the AUP.
7 Papakura -Clevedon Rd
The applicant has proposed modifications to the existing commercial building which is located within the historic heritage overlay extent of place under the AUP.
| 7_papakura-clevedon_rd_-_decision.pdf |
12 December 2017
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1 December 2017
While Auckland is our base, we are working nationally and internationally, where required.
With pleasure we can report that of today, and for the period of the next five years, Heike has been selected as Independent Hearings Commissioner for Christchurch City Council.
1 November 2017
We have been very busy throughout the year and have been fortunate to work on a number of very exciting projects. Some of them we have only started last week, while on others we have been working on for many years. One project in particular has been a companion since 2007 and has last month come to a very successful completion. The Masonic Tavern , or 29 King Edward Parade as it is known more recently, shines in all its glory for many more years to come.
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1 July 2017
We are happy to announce that Heike has been appointed as Independent Hearings Commissioner for Auckland Council for the period 1 July 2017 - 30 June 2020. Her areas of speciality are Heritage and Urban Design.
15 December 2016
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7 December 2016
A very interesting summary to the changes in the Historic Places Act has been provided by the Resource Management Law Association (RMLA) who recently hosted a roadshow undertaken by Heritage New Zealand.
Heritage Policy and Law Roadshow Highlights
Heritage New Zealand’s Senior Legal Advisor, Geraldine Baumann, has traversed nine locations across New Zealand over the last three months to deliver her excellent Heritage Policy and Law Roadshow. For those who didn’t manage to catch it, here is a quick overview of the key points she covered.
Back to the roots
Going right back to the basics, an archaeological site, as defined by the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014, is any place in New Zealand (including buildings, structures or shipwrecks) that was associated with pre-1900 human activity, where there is evidence relating to the history of New Zealand that can be investigated using archaeological methods. A shipwreck can constitute an archaeological site, with the caveat that the wreck must have occurred before 1900.
Heritage New Zealand does have the authority to declare a site that is not pre-1900 and a good example of where it has made such a call is the Norwegian whaling base on Stewart Island, which is both pre-and-post-1900. Because treasure hunters were known to be damaging the site in their hunt for souvenirs, the whaling base was designated and is now preserved as heritage site. Several old mining areas have also been designated archaeological sites for the same reason.
According the Ms Baumann: “The best archaeological site is one that remains untouched.”
The new and not-so-new aspects of HNZPTA
It came as a surprise to several attendees at the Auckland Heritage Policy and Law seminar that the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act (HNZPTA) had been updated in 2014.
HNZPTA makes it unlawful for any person to modify or destroy, or cause to be modified or destroyed, the whole or any part of an archaeological site without the prior authority of Heritage New Zealand. While the Act was recently revised, very little has actually changed, says Ms Baumann. “Most of the content has not been updated, and the language remains unchanged”, she noted.
What has changed, is that the new Act places more emphasis on the interests of the land owner. In other countries it is often a requirement that a site, having been assessed for archaeological significance, must then require a permit to work there. This is not the case in New Zealand.
While New Zealand’s law precludes landowners from tampering with an archaeological site, the onus is on the landowner to request authority to undertake earthworks that may modify or destroy an archaeological site. Heritage New Zealand cannot demand a landowner or developer to seek such authorisation; however, if no authorisation is in place and a site is modified or destroyed, the owner or developer may be prosecuted.
Heritage New Zealand has no real power to demand that an owner change its plans for development; it can only decide whether or not to grant an authority for the development to proceed, explained Ms Baumann.
Heritage hinged on good will
According to Ms Baumann, on average 496 out of every 500 requests for authority to develop a site are successful. Only four or five are refused; the rest are mediated, or compromises are found.
Once an authority is granted, the developer is within its rights to destroy any archaeological site that may be uncovered, irrespective of its rarity or value. Unfortunately, this happens more often than not. There is, however, one compelling case where a developer altered its plans to incorporate heritage into its development plans and in doing so, built a unique and priceless feature into the building’s design.
In Wellington’s Taranaki street, just south of the well-known Irish pub, Molly Malones, a two-storey retail premises built in 1899 was bought by a developer for demolition. Having obtained the authority to demolish the structure, the developer proceeded to knock down the building only to discover elements of Te Aro Pa, comprising structures made out of Ponga trunks that dated back to the 1840s. These are the only known examples of such structures on mainland New Zealand.
In order to preserve Te Aro Pa, the developer decided to forego building an underground carpark and foundations, instead preserving the structures with plastic resin and making them a feature of the building. As part of the compromise the Council allowed the developer to build extra storeys to compensate for the foregone basement space.
Greymouth vs Heritage New Zealand
Heritage New Zealand’s remit was further defined in a ruling earlier this year that required New Zealand Heritage to pay a substantial amount in court fees when it lost a case to Greymouth Petroleum over withholding authority to install an exploration drilling platform in Taranaki. As a precautionary measure, the company sought an archaeological authority and consulted with Iwi, who said that the valley held significant cultural significance as an ancestral burial site where, among others, the famed Maori warrior Chief Wiremu Kingi was interred. In light of the potential for the burial area being adversely affected, Heritage New Zealand did not grant authority to Greymouth Petroleum.
As reported by Maori Law Review, the Environment Court first considered whether the HNZPTA allowed HNZ to consider the effects of a proposal on an area wider than that included in the application, or whether it was restricted only to considering the particular archaeological site physically affected. Having analysed the relevant provisions, the Court concluded that HNZ was not correct in its determination, and that the wider cultural landscape should not have been considered. Rather, HNZ’s decision should have related only to the physical integrity of the site that Greymouth sought authority to modify.
The Court went on to rule that even if it was proven to be the site where Wiremu Kingi was buried, the distance of the burial site from the proposed exploration well meant that there was no appropriate basis on which to decline the authority sought by Greymouth.
So who can deal with cultural landscapes? According to Ms Baumann, the protection of landscape sits within planning processes such as those under the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan. District planning has the advantage of seeing the ‘bigger picture’ and in this respect, can look at the avoidance. In other words, it can suggest workable alternatives, and have a dialogue under the Plan to avoid potential damage to Heritage sites.
Maori Heritage Council
The Maori Heritage Council is one of two governance bodies of Heritage New Zealand, the other being the Board of Heritage New Zealand. The new Act boosts the role of the Maori Heritage Council, which is soon to publicly launch its Tapuwae, or formal statement of their view of Maori heritage and their policy for its protection.
The List: Before and after
The New Zealand Heritage List, Rārangi Kōrero (‘the List’) identifies New Zealand’s significant and valued historical and cultural heritage places. Continued under the HNZPTA, the List is maintained by Heritage New Zealand.
The List is the same as the Register established under Section 22 of the Historic Places Act 1993. All entries on the Register immediately prior to the commencement of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 were deemed to be entries on the List.
The difference, however, is that Under the Historic Places Act 1993, one of the purposes of listing was to lead to scheduling under district plans. This is no longer the case. Now, under the HNZPTA, local authorities need not pay any attention to listings except for listing of Heritage Areas.
When it comes to key planning decisions, Heritage New Zealand is involved in every single one; however, only to the extent that it submits on proposed second generation plans and plan changes. It also aims to work closely with local authorities to shape policies that support these.
What about Heritage Orders?
For as long as Geraldine Baumann has worked for Heritage New Zealand, a Heritage Order, which provides for the protection of the heritage qualities of a particular place or structure, has not been successfully placed on a heritage building. Heritage New Zealand did unsuccessfully attempt to place a Heritage Order on the Jean Batten building.
Under the RMA, if the subject of the order can prove that they will incur economic loss directly resulting from an order, then the Heritage Order won’t stand up, she explained. Furthermore, because the heritage protection agency must either buy the building subject to the order or withdraw the order, “heritage orders are things of the past”, explained Ms Baumann. “Most heritage protection agencies are not funded to purchase buildings and certainly not Heritage New Zealand”, she noted.
A very interesting summary to the changes in the Historic Places Act has been provided by the Resource Management Law Association (RMLA) who recently hosted a roadshow undertaken by Heritage New Zealand.
Heritage Policy and Law Roadshow Highlights
Heritage New Zealand’s Senior Legal Advisor, Geraldine Baumann, has traversed nine locations across New Zealand over the last three months to deliver her excellent Heritage Policy and Law Roadshow. For those who didn’t manage to catch it, here is a quick overview of the key points she covered.
Back to the roots
Going right back to the basics, an archaeological site, as defined by the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014, is any place in New Zealand (including buildings, structures or shipwrecks) that was associated with pre-1900 human activity, where there is evidence relating to the history of New Zealand that can be investigated using archaeological methods. A shipwreck can constitute an archaeological site, with the caveat that the wreck must have occurred before 1900.
Heritage New Zealand does have the authority to declare a site that is not pre-1900 and a good example of where it has made such a call is the Norwegian whaling base on Stewart Island, which is both pre-and-post-1900. Because treasure hunters were known to be damaging the site in their hunt for souvenirs, the whaling base was designated and is now preserved as heritage site. Several old mining areas have also been designated archaeological sites for the same reason.
According the Ms Baumann: “The best archaeological site is one that remains untouched.”
The new and not-so-new aspects of HNZPTA
It came as a surprise to several attendees at the Auckland Heritage Policy and Law seminar that the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act (HNZPTA) had been updated in 2014.
HNZPTA makes it unlawful for any person to modify or destroy, or cause to be modified or destroyed, the whole or any part of an archaeological site without the prior authority of Heritage New Zealand. While the Act was recently revised, very little has actually changed, says Ms Baumann. “Most of the content has not been updated, and the language remains unchanged”, she noted.
What has changed, is that the new Act places more emphasis on the interests of the land owner. In other countries it is often a requirement that a site, having been assessed for archaeological significance, must then require a permit to work there. This is not the case in New Zealand.
While New Zealand’s law precludes landowners from tampering with an archaeological site, the onus is on the landowner to request authority to undertake earthworks that may modify or destroy an archaeological site. Heritage New Zealand cannot demand a landowner or developer to seek such authorisation; however, if no authorisation is in place and a site is modified or destroyed, the owner or developer may be prosecuted.
Heritage New Zealand has no real power to demand that an owner change its plans for development; it can only decide whether or not to grant an authority for the development to proceed, explained Ms Baumann.
Heritage hinged on good will
According to Ms Baumann, on average 496 out of every 500 requests for authority to develop a site are successful. Only four or five are refused; the rest are mediated, or compromises are found.
Once an authority is granted, the developer is within its rights to destroy any archaeological site that may be uncovered, irrespective of its rarity or value. Unfortunately, this happens more often than not. There is, however, one compelling case where a developer altered its plans to incorporate heritage into its development plans and in doing so, built a unique and priceless feature into the building’s design.
In Wellington’s Taranaki street, just south of the well-known Irish pub, Molly Malones, a two-storey retail premises built in 1899 was bought by a developer for demolition. Having obtained the authority to demolish the structure, the developer proceeded to knock down the building only to discover elements of Te Aro Pa, comprising structures made out of Ponga trunks that dated back to the 1840s. These are the only known examples of such structures on mainland New Zealand.
In order to preserve Te Aro Pa, the developer decided to forego building an underground carpark and foundations, instead preserving the structures with plastic resin and making them a feature of the building. As part of the compromise the Council allowed the developer to build extra storeys to compensate for the foregone basement space.
Greymouth vs Heritage New Zealand
Heritage New Zealand’s remit was further defined in a ruling earlier this year that required New Zealand Heritage to pay a substantial amount in court fees when it lost a case to Greymouth Petroleum over withholding authority to install an exploration drilling platform in Taranaki. As a precautionary measure, the company sought an archaeological authority and consulted with Iwi, who said that the valley held significant cultural significance as an ancestral burial site where, among others, the famed Maori warrior Chief Wiremu Kingi was interred. In light of the potential for the burial area being adversely affected, Heritage New Zealand did not grant authority to Greymouth Petroleum.
As reported by Maori Law Review, the Environment Court first considered whether the HNZPTA allowed HNZ to consider the effects of a proposal on an area wider than that included in the application, or whether it was restricted only to considering the particular archaeological site physically affected. Having analysed the relevant provisions, the Court concluded that HNZ was not correct in its determination, and that the wider cultural landscape should not have been considered. Rather, HNZ’s decision should have related only to the physical integrity of the site that Greymouth sought authority to modify.
The Court went on to rule that even if it was proven to be the site where Wiremu Kingi was buried, the distance of the burial site from the proposed exploration well meant that there was no appropriate basis on which to decline the authority sought by Greymouth.
So who can deal with cultural landscapes? According to Ms Baumann, the protection of landscape sits within planning processes such as those under the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan. District planning has the advantage of seeing the ‘bigger picture’ and in this respect, can look at the avoidance. In other words, it can suggest workable alternatives, and have a dialogue under the Plan to avoid potential damage to Heritage sites.
Maori Heritage Council
The Maori Heritage Council is one of two governance bodies of Heritage New Zealand, the other being the Board of Heritage New Zealand. The new Act boosts the role of the Maori Heritage Council, which is soon to publicly launch its Tapuwae, or formal statement of their view of Maori heritage and their policy for its protection.
The List: Before and after
The New Zealand Heritage List, Rārangi Kōrero (‘the List’) identifies New Zealand’s significant and valued historical and cultural heritage places. Continued under the HNZPTA, the List is maintained by Heritage New Zealand.
The List is the same as the Register established under Section 22 of the Historic Places Act 1993. All entries on the Register immediately prior to the commencement of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 were deemed to be entries on the List.
The difference, however, is that Under the Historic Places Act 1993, one of the purposes of listing was to lead to scheduling under district plans. This is no longer the case. Now, under the HNZPTA, local authorities need not pay any attention to listings except for listing of Heritage Areas.
When it comes to key planning decisions, Heritage New Zealand is involved in every single one; however, only to the extent that it submits on proposed second generation plans and plan changes. It also aims to work closely with local authorities to shape policies that support these.
What about Heritage Orders?
For as long as Geraldine Baumann has worked for Heritage New Zealand, a Heritage Order, which provides for the protection of the heritage qualities of a particular place or structure, has not been successfully placed on a heritage building. Heritage New Zealand did unsuccessfully attempt to place a Heritage Order on the Jean Batten building.
Under the RMA, if the subject of the order can prove that they will incur economic loss directly resulting from an order, then the Heritage Order won’t stand up, she explained. Furthermore, because the heritage protection agency must either buy the building subject to the order or withdraw the order, “heritage orders are things of the past”, explained Ms Baumann. “Most heritage protection agencies are not funded to purchase buildings and certainly not Heritage New Zealand”, she noted.
1 September 2016
AUCKLAND HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2016
24 September to 9 October.
Don your Sunday best dress, jump on your bike and tour around historic parks, or board a legendary vessel and sail away whilst immersing yourself in Auckland's history. Have you ever wanted to find out more about Auckland's street art or the baches on Rangitoto Island? Now is your chance - explore our city during this year's Auckland Heritage Festival.
Take another look at the Auckland we normally go past.
This year's theme is Now and Then: The Changing Face of Auckland.
An exciting Programme provides you with two weeks of entertainment for free!
For more information click here.
19 August 2016
It has been a very long time coming, but it finally has arrived - the next step in the Auckland Unitary Plan process.
The recommendations from the Independent Hearings Panel have been reviewed by the Auckland Council and many of the recommendations of the Panel have been taken on board.
One of the decisions that has a wide ranging effect on the older building stock in the city is the deletion of the Pre-1944 Demolition Control that was originally intended to be part of the Unitary Plan, and has in the interim and until now been in effect. More details are available in the Auckland Council's Decisions Report.
The latest Unitary Plan version is now available online.
The mammoth task the Independent Hearings Panel has undertaken has been amazing. The Panel has always been up-to-scratch with the issues presented to them, they had an open mind and took the time to understand the details despite having time working against them. From us a Thank You to all involved for making the process a good experience. We are also pleased to note that the efforts we have been involved in throughout the pre-hearing process, caucusing, hearings and mediations have been successful for all of our clients. Congratulations!
9 March 2016
The matter of earthquake prone buildings has just recently made its way back into our minds due to the latest shaking of Christchurch on Valentine's Day. The Auckland Council has prepared a guiding document that may be helpful to you when having to deal with an earthquake prone building.
Click here: Earthquake Prone Buildings - guidance and approaches
8 March 2016
Auckland Council's 2015/2016 Funding Round for Heritage will accept applications soon!
Regional Historic Heritage Grant Programme
$0 - $20000
Heritage
Applications open: 15 March 2016
Applications close: 15 April 2016
About this grant:
The Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme aims to incentivise best practice, increase understanding and encourage community involvement in the care of our regionally significant heritage sites and places. It is dedicated to funding projects that benefit historic heritage places that are recognised as regionally significant in one of the schedules of the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan, including the: Historic Heritage Schedule Sites of Significance to Mana Whenua Sites of Value to Mana Whenua, and contributing buildings within a Historic Heritage Area or Historic Character Area.
20 December 2015
16 July 2015
We have been very busy over the last few months with work relating to the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan in addition to our other projects. Assessments, evidence writing and the preparation for hearings was undertaken to make sure that every one of our clients could be heard by the Independent Hearings Panel.
The Panel has considered the submissions made and has prepared Interim Guidance for a number of matters before them. For Topics 029 and 030, Special Character and Pre-1944 demolition control overlay. The view of the Panel is available here: PAUP 029 and 030.
19 December 2014
18 December 2014
Yes, it has been quite a while since we had a chance to update you with some news. We had a very busy year with a number of exciting, some challenging and very successful projects.
We would like to thank all our clients, team members, consultants and suppliers for a very positive 2014. All your input, support, ideas, being professional and helpful in every way makes our work alongside people like you so much more successful, enjoyable and satisfying.
We are looking forward to the next year of team work and good outcomes.
Our office is closed from 22 December 2014 to 5 January 2015.
9 January 2014
Don't forget to have your say when it comes to heritage in Auckland!
The Unitary Plan has made considerable changes to the schedule of heritage buildings.
Some words from the council:
Did you know that Auckland Council has just scheduled an additional 63 historic heritage places and 11 historic heritage areas for protection in the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan? The Plan was formally notified on 30 September 2013 and, among other things, helps to refine controls around protection of historic heritage. A schedule of historic heritage places is contained in the plan.
The proposed plan is a significant milestone in delivering the vision of Auckland becoming the world’s most liveable city, with higher-quality development. It also ensures that as Auckland grows, we protect our heritage.
The proposed plan is a significant milestone in delivering the vision for Auckland to become the world’s most liveable city, with higher-quality and more compact development. It also ensures that while Auckland grows, we protect our environment and heritage, and keep our rural land productive.
There was strong public support for better design, heritage protection and a greater choice of homes in or near the city centre, metropolitan centres and town centres.
In response, the proposed plan has increased the number of protected heritage buildings and identified new special character areas.
There are also stronger rules to improve building design quality, which will be complemented by the Auckland Design Manual.
Have your say by 28 February 2014. From 30 September, you can visit our Auckland Unitary Plan webpage to browse the proposed plan’s rules, zoning maps and overlays, and download a submission form.
Alternatively, reference copies of the plan, along with guidance material, fact sheets and submission instructions, are available at council libraries, service centres and local board offices.
The council will offer assistance for people making formal submissions in early 2014.
Don't forget to have your say when it comes to heritage in Auckland!
The Unitary Plan has made considerable changes to the schedule of heritage buildings.
Some words from the council:
Did you know that Auckland Council has just scheduled an additional 63 historic heritage places and 11 historic heritage areas for protection in the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan? The Plan was formally notified on 30 September 2013 and, among other things, helps to refine controls around protection of historic heritage. A schedule of historic heritage places is contained in the plan.
The proposed plan is a significant milestone in delivering the vision of Auckland becoming the world’s most liveable city, with higher-quality development. It also ensures that as Auckland grows, we protect our heritage.
The proposed plan is a significant milestone in delivering the vision for Auckland to become the world’s most liveable city, with higher-quality and more compact development. It also ensures that while Auckland grows, we protect our environment and heritage, and keep our rural land productive.
There was strong public support for better design, heritage protection and a greater choice of homes in or near the city centre, metropolitan centres and town centres.
In response, the proposed plan has increased the number of protected heritage buildings and identified new special character areas.
There are also stronger rules to improve building design quality, which will be complemented by the Auckland Design Manual.
Have your say by 28 February 2014. From 30 September, you can visit our Auckland Unitary Plan webpage to browse the proposed plan’s rules, zoning maps and overlays, and download a submission form.
Alternatively, reference copies of the plan, along with guidance material, fact sheets and submission instructions, are available at council libraries, service centres and local board offices.
The council will offer assistance for people making formal submissions in early 2014.
8 January 2014
The Auckland Council's take on the Unitary Plan:
Shaping a Business Friendly Auckland
A new guide on what the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan does to support longer-term economic growth has been released to help businesses understand and submit on the rules that will affect them the most.
The guide, titled ‘Shaping a business-friendly city’, identifies strong centres, new business land and better transport links as essential for Auckland's growth.
Economic growth is a major part of Auckland’s vision to become the world’s most liveable city. The Unitary Plan, as the rulebook that will shape how Auckland grows, has an important role to play in enabling that growth.
The plan proposes more consistent planning rules across Auckland, providing businesses and developers with greater certainty as well as smarter digital tools that are faster to use.
The report also highlights the range of ways that creating a more compact, vibrant, efficient and attractive Auckland can enable economic growth, such as:
The report is available on the council website herewww.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/unitaryplan
The Auckland Council's take on the Unitary Plan:
Shaping a Business Friendly Auckland
A new guide on what the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan does to support longer-term economic growth has been released to help businesses understand and submit on the rules that will affect them the most.
The guide, titled ‘Shaping a business-friendly city’, identifies strong centres, new business land and better transport links as essential for Auckland's growth.
Economic growth is a major part of Auckland’s vision to become the world’s most liveable city. The Unitary Plan, as the rulebook that will shape how Auckland grows, has an important role to play in enabling that growth.
The plan proposes more consistent planning rules across Auckland, providing businesses and developers with greater certainty as well as smarter digital tools that are faster to use.
The report also highlights the range of ways that creating a more compact, vibrant, efficient and attractive Auckland can enable economic growth, such as:
- Productivity and innovation driven by clustering and agglomeration
- A place where talented young people choose to stay, live and work
- Hubs that make public transport and other infrastructure investment more viable
- Coordinated infrastructure investment to support areas of growth
- Safeguarding environment and heritage as part of Auckland’s point of difference in the world
- Safeguarding existing business land and opening up new areas
- Businesses closer or more accessible to their customers and employees
- Transport links that help supply chain efficiency
- Centres and business areas that attract new and continued investment
The report is available on the council website herewww.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/unitaryplan
20 December 2013
13 December 2013
Auckland Unitary Plan hearings panel appointed
Environment Minister Amy Adams and Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith have today announced the appointment of eight board members to the Auckland Unitary Plan hearings panel.
The Auckland Unitary Plan will be the first combined resource management plan for Auckland and will replace the regional policy statement, and the regional and district plans that Auckland Council inherited from the eight former councils of the Auckland region.
“It represents the largest planning exercise in the history of New Zealand, and will have significant implications for Auckland and New Zealand’s environmental and economic performance,” the Ministers say.
“The Auckland Unitary Plan hearings panel has an important role to play in shaping the future of Auckland. The panel will hear submissions and make recommendations to the Auckland Council on the proposed plan.”
The panel members have expertise in a wide range of disciplines including law, economics, resource management planning, local government and Tikanga Māori.
The panel was appointed following consultation with Auckland Council and the Independent Maori Statutory Board. The Ministers thanked those entities for their constructive involvement in the process to select the panel members.
The panel will be chaired by David Kirkpatrick, a resource management barrister who has significant experience in consenting and planning.
Mr Kirkpatrick has chaired high profile consent applications and has appeared in front of several Boards of Inquiry.
The other panel members are Des Morrison, Janet Crawford, Paula Hunter, John Kirikiri, Stuart Shepherd, Greg Hill and Peter Fuller.
Biographies of Board Members
David Kirkpatrick (Chair): Mr Kirkpatrick is an experienced resource management barrister, with extensive experience in consenting and planning appeals. He is an accredited independent hearings commissioner, and has chaired council hearings, including a number of high profile consent applications. He also has expert litigation experience, having appeared before consent authorities and Boards of Inquiry.
Des Morrison: Mr Morrison is a former Auckland Councillor, during which time he was Chair of the Rural Advisory Panel and Regulatory Bylaws Committee. Mr Morrison also served as ward councillor for Franklin District and has extensive business experience including General Manager at New Zealand Steel/BHP New Zealand Steel.
Janet Crawford: Ms Crawford is a resource management consultant with expertise in mediation and facilitation. She is a co-founder of the Mediators Institute of New Zealand. Ms Crawford’s previous employment includes Research Associate at Harvard University, and Senior Research Fellow at Waikato and Massey University. Ms Crawford is a winner of the NZ Planning Institute Distinguished Service Award.
Paula Hunter is a planning consultant at MWH with extensive experience in district and regional plan development and specialist skills in structure planning, managing and staging growth and aligning infrastructure requirements. Ms Hunter's recent work includes strategic advisor for the Hamilton City District Plan review. Ms Hunter is a winner of the NZPI Distinguished Service Award and an accredited independent Hearings Commissioner.
John Kirikiri: Mr Kirikiri has Tikanga Māori expertise in an RMA and emergency management context. He is a qualified independent hearings commissioner and is an independent commissioner for Auckland Council. He is a former Deputy Mayor of Rodney District Council and a former member of the Hibiscus and Bay’s Local Board.
Stuart Shepherd: Mr Shepherd is a director at the Sapere Research Group and provides advice on regulatory economics, business strategy, and public policy. His work as an economist has primarily focussed on infrastructure including economic regulation in the airport, electricity, gas and telecommunications sectors. Mr Shepherd’s previous employment includes roles at Vector and Telecom.
Greg Hill: Mr Hill is a resource management consultant, an accredited independent hearings chair and commissioner. He has significant experience in chairing council hearings and technical expertise in air, land, water and coastal policy issues. He was previously a General Manager of Policy and Planning at Auckland Regional Council, and a principal author of the Auckland Regional Coastal Plan.
Peter Fuller: Mr Fuller is a Barrister with experience and qualifications in resource management law, planning, environmental management, and horticultural science. He has appeared before council hearings, the Environment Court, and the High Court. Mr Fuller is an accredited RMA Commissioner and was formally a Strategic Policy Analyst at the Auckland Regional Council, and project leader on the Auckland Regional Growth Strategy.
Auckland Unitary Plan hearings panel appointed
Friday, 13 December 2013, 3:30 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Government
Hon Amy Adams
Minister for the Environment
Hon Dr Nick Smith
Minister of Conservation
© Scoop Media
Auckland Unitary Plan hearings panel appointed
Environment Minister Amy Adams and Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith have today announced the appointment of eight board members to the Auckland Unitary Plan hearings panel.
The Auckland Unitary Plan will be the first combined resource management plan for Auckland and will replace the regional policy statement, and the regional and district plans that Auckland Council inherited from the eight former councils of the Auckland region.
“It represents the largest planning exercise in the history of New Zealand, and will have significant implications for Auckland and New Zealand’s environmental and economic performance,” the Ministers say.
“The Auckland Unitary Plan hearings panel has an important role to play in shaping the future of Auckland. The panel will hear submissions and make recommendations to the Auckland Council on the proposed plan.”
The panel members have expertise in a wide range of disciplines including law, economics, resource management planning, local government and Tikanga Māori.
The panel was appointed following consultation with Auckland Council and the Independent Maori Statutory Board. The Ministers thanked those entities for their constructive involvement in the process to select the panel members.
The panel will be chaired by David Kirkpatrick, a resource management barrister who has significant experience in consenting and planning.
Mr Kirkpatrick has chaired high profile consent applications and has appeared in front of several Boards of Inquiry.
The other panel members are Des Morrison, Janet Crawford, Paula Hunter, John Kirikiri, Stuart Shepherd, Greg Hill and Peter Fuller.
Biographies of Board Members
David Kirkpatrick (Chair): Mr Kirkpatrick is an experienced resource management barrister, with extensive experience in consenting and planning appeals. He is an accredited independent hearings commissioner, and has chaired council hearings, including a number of high profile consent applications. He also has expert litigation experience, having appeared before consent authorities and Boards of Inquiry.
Des Morrison: Mr Morrison is a former Auckland Councillor, during which time he was Chair of the Rural Advisory Panel and Regulatory Bylaws Committee. Mr Morrison also served as ward councillor for Franklin District and has extensive business experience including General Manager at New Zealand Steel/BHP New Zealand Steel.
Janet Crawford: Ms Crawford is a resource management consultant with expertise in mediation and facilitation. She is a co-founder of the Mediators Institute of New Zealand. Ms Crawford’s previous employment includes Research Associate at Harvard University, and Senior Research Fellow at Waikato and Massey University. Ms Crawford is a winner of the NZ Planning Institute Distinguished Service Award.
Paula Hunter is a planning consultant at MWH with extensive experience in district and regional plan development and specialist skills in structure planning, managing and staging growth and aligning infrastructure requirements. Ms Hunter's recent work includes strategic advisor for the Hamilton City District Plan review. Ms Hunter is a winner of the NZPI Distinguished Service Award and an accredited independent Hearings Commissioner.
John Kirikiri: Mr Kirikiri has Tikanga Māori expertise in an RMA and emergency management context. He is a qualified independent hearings commissioner and is an independent commissioner for Auckland Council. He is a former Deputy Mayor of Rodney District Council and a former member of the Hibiscus and Bay’s Local Board.
Stuart Shepherd: Mr Shepherd is a director at the Sapere Research Group and provides advice on regulatory economics, business strategy, and public policy. His work as an economist has primarily focussed on infrastructure including economic regulation in the airport, electricity, gas and telecommunications sectors. Mr Shepherd’s previous employment includes roles at Vector and Telecom.
Greg Hill: Mr Hill is a resource management consultant, an accredited independent hearings chair and commissioner. He has significant experience in chairing council hearings and technical expertise in air, land, water and coastal policy issues. He was previously a General Manager of Policy and Planning at Auckland Regional Council, and a principal author of the Auckland Regional Coastal Plan.
Peter Fuller: Mr Fuller is a Barrister with experience and qualifications in resource management law, planning, environmental management, and horticultural science. He has appeared before council hearings, the Environment Court, and the High Court. Mr Fuller is an accredited RMA Commissioner and was formally a Strategic Policy Analyst at the Auckland Regional Council, and project leader on the Auckland Regional Growth Strategy.
Auckland Unitary Plan hearings panel appointed
Friday, 13 December 2013, 3:30 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Government
Hon Amy Adams
Minister for the Environment
Hon Dr Nick Smith
Minister of Conservation
© Scoop Media
30 September 2013
Today the Auckland Council notified the Proposed Unitary Plan. Submissions can be made from 30 September 2013 until 28 February 2014.
The Proposed Unitary Plan is available here:
6 September 2013
Councillors have made their decision:
"UNITARY PLAN RECOMMENDED FOR NOTIFICATION
Councillors today recommended that the revised version of the draft Unitary Plan be approved for notification and the formal submissions phase.
Auckland Plan Committee Chair Penny Hulse says the recommendation underlined the many important decisions made by elected members over the last two weeks.
“Today’s decision is a significant milestone in the Unitary Plan process. We now have a plan that prior to going out for public submissions has already been shaped and changed based on the feedback of thousands of Aucklanders.”
The proposed Unitary Plan which includes amendments to the maps, policies and rules will now go to Auckland Council’s Governing Body who will be asked to officially endorse the plan for notification.
Once approved, a date will be set for notification which marks the start of the formal public submission phase, and the next opportunity for people to have their say.
The Governing Body will meet on Tuesday 10 September."
Councillors have made their decision:
"UNITARY PLAN RECOMMENDED FOR NOTIFICATION
Councillors today recommended that the revised version of the draft Unitary Plan be approved for notification and the formal submissions phase.
Auckland Plan Committee Chair Penny Hulse says the recommendation underlined the many important decisions made by elected members over the last two weeks.
“Today’s decision is a significant milestone in the Unitary Plan process. We now have a plan that prior to going out for public submissions has already been shaped and changed based on the feedback of thousands of Aucklanders.”
The proposed Unitary Plan which includes amendments to the maps, policies and rules will now go to Auckland Council’s Governing Body who will be asked to officially endorse the plan for notification.
Once approved, a date will be set for notification which marks the start of the formal public submission phase, and the next opportunity for people to have their say.
The Governing Body will meet on Tuesday 10 September."
26 August 2013
Auckland Council's news blog 'Shape Auckland' has announced the next step in the Auckland Unitary Plan process this week.
"DECISIONS TO BE MADE ON UNITARY PLAN CHANGES
Next week councillors will make decisions on changes to the draft Auckland Unitary Plan before it is notified for public submissions.
Changes to the plan are based on approximately 22,000 pieces of feedback received from individuals, businesses, community groups and experts, when the plan was released as a draft for 11 weeks of informal engagement.
“Councillors together with our local board chairs have attended 22 Unitary Plan workshops in the last eight weeks to discuss issues raised by Aucklanders and to consider where changes were needed,” says Auckland Plan Committee Chair, Penny Hulse.
“This extensive process has involved many hours of discussions and debate and we have come a long way towards resolving most of the big issues. The Auckland Plan Committee meetings are the next step in the process, where councillors will make formal decisions on the changes and a recommendation on notification.”
Councillors have received a report outlining all key changes as well as an amended version of the draft Unitary Plan. This information is also now available to the public on Auckland Council’s website as an attachment to the Auckland Plan Committee agenda.
The Auckland Plan Committee meetings will run from Wednesday to Friday next week (28-30 August)."
Auckland Council's news blog 'Shape Auckland' has announced the next step in the Auckland Unitary Plan process this week.
"DECISIONS TO BE MADE ON UNITARY PLAN CHANGES
Next week councillors will make decisions on changes to the draft Auckland Unitary Plan before it is notified for public submissions.
Changes to the plan are based on approximately 22,000 pieces of feedback received from individuals, businesses, community groups and experts, when the plan was released as a draft for 11 weeks of informal engagement.
“Councillors together with our local board chairs have attended 22 Unitary Plan workshops in the last eight weeks to discuss issues raised by Aucklanders and to consider where changes were needed,” says Auckland Plan Committee Chair, Penny Hulse.
“This extensive process has involved many hours of discussions and debate and we have come a long way towards resolving most of the big issues. The Auckland Plan Committee meetings are the next step in the process, where councillors will make formal decisions on the changes and a recommendation on notification.”
Councillors have received a report outlining all key changes as well as an amended version of the draft Unitary Plan. This information is also now available to the public on Auckland Council’s website as an attachment to the Auckland Plan Committee agenda.
The Auckland Plan Committee meetings will run from Wednesday to Friday next week (28-30 August)."
18 August 2013
We want to hear from you! Join us in our brand new BCon Forum. Become a member, it is free and easy. Share your thoughts with our ever growing conservation community. Follow the link in the banner of this page or click here. We are looking forward to meeting you there .
We want to hear from you! Join us in our brand new BCon Forum. Become a member, it is free and easy. Share your thoughts with our ever growing conservation community. Follow the link in the banner of this page or click here. We are looking forward to meeting you there .
12 August 2013
Stage Two of the RMA reform is underway and intends to make further improvements to the Resource Management process.
Read more...
Stage Two of the RMA reform is underway and intends to make further improvements to the Resource Management process.
Read more...
9 August 2013
The Key issues relating to the processes introduced through the Earthquake Prone Buildings Policy.
Read more...
The Key issues relating to the processes introduced through the Earthquake Prone Buildings Policy.
Read more...
7 August 2013
The Earthquake Prone Buildings Policy will greatly influence the future of heritage buildings.
Read more...
The Earthquake Prone Buildings Policy will greatly influence the future of heritage buildings.
Read more...
1 August 2013
Welcome to the News section of BCon's website. Yes, this is the latest news, our website is finally up and running! We are delighted to be able to share with you through this site what we think is noteworthy. We will keep you up to date with heritage issues, with progress on our most exciting projects and anything that sparks our interest.
Enjoy!
Welcome to the News section of BCon's website. Yes, this is the latest news, our website is finally up and running! We are delighted to be able to share with you through this site what we think is noteworthy. We will keep you up to date with heritage issues, with progress on our most exciting projects and anything that sparks our interest.
Enjoy!