Land development in New Zealand is making headlines with 3 stand-out articles in the past few weeks. 1. Fast-Tracked Infrastructure: A Threat to NZ’s Biodiversity? A recent article from The Conversation looks at how local government’s Fast-track Bill could speed up big projects, but some worry it might hurt New Zealand’s unique wildlife. The…
Subdividing land in Auckland can be a complex process, but the feasibility depends on your land’s size, zone, and public infrastructure access. Here’s a simplified breakdown: Zones and Minimum Lot Sizes Terrace housing and apartment buildings zone: This zone allows the most development, with buildings up to seven storeys. Resource consent applications with development plans are…
By Imogen Trupinic – Senior Planner Abatement Notice An abatement notice is a legal document issued by a local council or government agency, to address a violation of law. Examples include environmental or building codes. It outlines what you’ll need to do to rectify the compliance issue. Failing to do so can lead to legal…
By Imogen Trupinic – Senior Planner at Thomas Consultants Getting a resource consent can feel like navigating a maze. That’s where your planner comes in – they’re your guide, negotiator, and cheerleader all rolled into one. But with so many options, finding the right fit can be daunting. Fear not! Here’s the lowdown on what…
What’s the difference between a cross lease and a freehold property? A cross lease property and a freehold property differ significantly in terms of ownership structure, rights, and legal implications. Here’s how they differ: Cross Lease: Properties typically share driveways and water services as all homes sit on one piece of land. Making structural changes to…
When it comes to undertaking any development project, be it building a new home, expanding a business, or altering the landscape of a property, understanding the ins-and-outs of local regulations is paramount. One term that often surfaces in such discussions is “resource consent.” But what exactly is it, and why do you need one? In…
Written by Imogen Trupinic, Senior Planner at Thomas Consultants The first step before undertaking works of any kind on your site is to know what you can and cannot do on the site. Once you know your property’s development potential and limitations, you can avoid hidden development costs, abatement notices or prosecution by Council. The…
The thought of subdividing your property is exciting and full of promise but the subdivision planning process can be a bit of a minefield! So to help get you started we spoke to our Planning team and asked them to provide their top tips. Hot off the press here they are…
Stormwater Drainage and Neighbourly Communication While neighbourly relationships can be fantastic, sometimes navigating them can feel complex. This is especially true when projects like property subdivision require connecting your stormwater drainage to a public drain located on your neighbour’s property. You’ll need their permission to proceed (we understand the potential concern this might cause!). Here’s…
Written by Ashwita Murphy, Planning Team Leader at Thomas Consultants Ltd Auckland Council is seeking consultation on the draft Auckland Future Development Strategy 2023-2053. The Future Development Strategy is the Council’s plan to manage growth across Tāmaki Makaurau for the next 30 years. It seeks to integrate long-term land use and infrastructure planning while meeting…
Written by Ashwita Murphy, Planning Team Leader at Thomas Consultants and Imogen Trupinic, Senior Planner at Thomas Consultants What is changing? The Government has proposed an overhaul of the current Resource Management Act (1991) (RMA). A total of three acts will replace the RMA: Natural Built Environments Act (NBA), Strategic Planning Act (SPA) and Climate…
