Planning Services Backed by Experience
Hayson Knell stands out as a premier planning consultancy by delivering expert, end-to-end planning services tailored to clients’ unique needs across New Zealand. From resource consents, project coordination, and scoping to policy planning and reviews, the team provides strategic, results-driven solutions that simplify complex planning processes.
With a deep understanding of both public and private sector planning frameworks, Hayson Knell offers not only guidance but partnership, helping clients navigate each stage of the planning journey with confidence and clarity.
Resource Consents
We assist with development proposals of all kinds—residential, retirement, commercial, rural, subdivisions, infrastructure consents, regional consents, and more. Our team of experts can prepare resource consent applications and Assessment of Environmental Effects or manage the entire planning process on your behalf.
Our Services
- Strategy. Identify planning risks and opportunities and provide consenting strategies.
- Applications. We prepare applications and assessments for district and regional consents and Fast-Track applications.
- Consultant Co-ordination. Manage specialist consultants to support your application.
- Expert Evidence. Provide evidence and submissions for council and court hearings and assist with mediation.
- Stakeholder Consultation. Engage with key stakeholders, mana whenua, and affected parties.
Why Choose Us
- Experience. We have extensive experience working with clients and councils throughout New Zealand on a wide variety of resource consent projects.
- Expertise. Our planners are adept at navigating Resource Management Act processes and legislation changes.
- Relationships. We have established relationships with councils and stakeholders throughout the country.
Due Diligence and Strategic Advice
We provide comprehensive due diligence and feasibility reporting to help you make informed decisions before investing in land or projects.
Our Services
- Development Project Review. Assess site and development options.
- Consent Requirements. Advise of consent requirements and constraints.
- Scoping Reports. Provide professional advice on project feasibility, process, and required input.
- Pre-Purchase Reports. Detailed planning evaluations before property purchase.
- Consultation. Engage with iwi and key stakeholders to identify issues and provide support.
- Development and Financial Contributions. We can assess in advance what development or financial contributions will be payable on your development. We can prepare special assessments based on actual demand to support reduction or remission of contributions.
- Special assessment applications to council
- Submissions on council financial policy
- Preparation of evidence to support objections
Ideal For
- Developers/Purchasers. Understand property constraints and future development potential.
- Investors. Explore ways to increase property value through subdivision, changes of use, or additional dwellings.
- Real Estate Agents. Showcase property potential to prospective buyers.
Report Includes
- Property Zone. Explanation of zoning and its implications.
- Planning Rules. Details on building height, coverage, impervious area, etc.
- Public Services. Availability of stormwater, wastewater, and water supply connections.
- Access Requirements. Guidelines for future development access.
- Onsite Hazards. Information on flooding, instability, contamination, and overland flow.
- Resource Consent. Requirements for obtaining necessary consents.
- Title Review. Examination of the record of title and registered instruments.
- Legislative Changes. Updates on proposed changes to legislation and plans affecting the site.
Local Government Consent Processing and Reviews
We offer comprehensive services for local government including process reviews, and resource consent processing.
Our Services
- Resource Consent Applications. Review and process applications on behalf of district and regional councils.
- Notification and Hearings Reports. Prepare reports and provide representation at hearings.
- Regulatory Reviews. Assess and advise on improvements to regulatory processes, legal compliance, and customer service for local authorities.
- Consultation and Negotiation. Engage with council, key stakeholders, and submitters.
Policy, Plan Changes and Spatial Planning
The Resource Management Act 1991 allows anyone to request changes to district or regional plans through a private plan change. This process enables innovative proposals to be tested and allows applicants to initiate changes without waiting for a plan review. Due to the costly and lengthy nature of private plan changes, they are typically used for large-scale developments and rezoning. Close collaboration between councils and applicants is essential to reduce delays and minimise costs
Our Services
- Private Plan Changes. Prepare and co-ordinate applications for private plan changes.
- Policy and Plan Preparation. Formulate and review district and regional plans and policy statements for local authorities.
- Spatial Planning. Assist local authorities with spatial plan and future development strategy preparation.
- Process Management. Oversee the plan review process, including stakeholder consultation.
- Reporting. Prepare reports in accordance with Schedule 1 (RMA) requirements.
- Submissions and Evidence. Prepare submissions on plan and policy changes and present evidence at hearings.
- Legislation. Provide advice and prepare submissions on National Direction documents and legislation changes.
Why Choose Us
- Experience. Extensive experience in regional, district, and national policy development and review.
- Effective Policy Delivery. Leverage practical experience to deliver effective policy.
- Strategic Management. Maximise the potential of your land through private and public plan changes.
Expert Evidence and Mediation
We provide expert evidence and support for council hearings, policy and consent submissions, and Environment Court proceedings. Our services ensure your position is best represented by selecting the right specialists to address key risk areas.
Our Services
- Council Hearing Evidence. Prepare and present evidence at council hearings.
- Submissions. Prepare and submit submissions.
- Environment Court. Provide expert witness evidence.
- Mediation. Provide planning guidance for mediation processes.
- Objections and Appeals. Manage objections and appeals.
Why Choose Us
- Experience. We are planning experts with nationwide practical experience.
- Specialist Selection. Ensure your position is well-represented by choosing the correct specialists for key risk areas.
Compliance and Enforcement
- Proactive Compliance. We can help clients identify potential compliance issues early in the planning process, allowing for proactive solutions and avoiding costly delays or enforcement actions.
- Responding to Enforcement Actions and Abatement Notices. If a client faces an enforcement action, we can assist in understanding the nature of the non-compliance, developing a response strategy, and negotiating with stakeholders.
- Monitoring. We offer tailored consent condition monitoring to support ongoing compliance.
