Planning & Resource Management Process
Nationwide support from our team in Southland & Otago
Our Process
We partner with our clients from the very beginning of a project right through to final delivery.
Our Farm Assessment process follows a structured but practical approach: initial scoping, a site visit, preparation and presentation of a draft plan, refinement based on feedback, and delivery of the final plan.
Learn how we can help. Let’s start with a conversation.
Scoping
We work with you to understand your proposal, what you are trying to achieve within the relevant environmental setting. This helps us determine what e.g. resource consents you need and what other input we may need e.g., scientist, ecologist or engineer.
Site Visit
We may need to visit your site to understand how your project fits into the wider environment and identify any challenges we need to manage.
Drafting
We will prepare a draft of your resource consent application, farm environment plan or submission so that you can review it and let us know any changes you want to make prior to lodging with the regional, district or central government.
Post Lodgement
The work does not stop once your resource consent or submission is with the Council. Further information may be required or draft conditions reviewed. We work with you to respond to any Council requirements in a timely manner.
Follow Up
When you successfully obtain resource consent there are sometimes monitoring requirements or plans that need to be submitted. We can work with you to develop a monitoring plan or assist you in fulfilling your resource consent obligations from the start to the finish.
FAQ’s - Common resource & planning questions
What does a planning consultant do?
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A planning consultant helps you understand and navigate planning rules, resource consents and environmental requirements. We work with councils on your behalf and help shape projects so they’re more likely to gain approval.
When should I talk to a planner?
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As early as possible. Even a short conversation at the idea stage can help identify constraints, opportunities and the best pathway forward. Early advice often saves time, cost and redesign later.
Do I need a resource consent?
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That depends on the activity, zoning and location of your site. Some projects are permitted; others require consent. We can quickly assess what applies to your situation and explain it clearly.
Do you only work on rural projects?
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No. While we have strong rural expertise, we also work on residential homes, lifestyle blocks, subdivisions and commercial projects such as cafés, wedding venues and visitor activities.
We’re based in Otago and Southland and complete a large portion of our work locally. We also support projects across New Zealand and are happy to discuss whether we’re the right fit for your location.
If you have a site address and a general idea of what you’d like to do, that’s a great start. We can guide you on next steps from there.
Where do you work?
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What information do I need before getting in touch?
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Get in touch to make an appointment
Let’s talk about your project