Projects

Thomas Planning Limited

Independent Commissioner

Projects

    • Roydon Quarry, Templeton Christchurch: A new 170 hectare aggregate quarry requiring a complex suite of consents and involving a 5 week hearing.
    • Recycling Processing Centre Hawera                                                          

       

       

       

    • Waitarere Curves SH1 Upgrade Designation Levin.                                                                         

       

    • Countdown Supermaket Town Centre Redevelopment Hawera.                        

       

    • New telecommunications tower, Levin: Sole commissioner.

       

    • PC 67 Highfield Park Ltd Christchurch City: Chair of Commissioners hearing and determining submissions on a private plan change for development of a 200 hectare new urban area to the north of the City of Christchurch.
    • PC 30 Prestons Road Christchurch City: This hearing commenced in August 2010 prior to any earthquakes. A further hearing was held in November 2010 after the September event. As commissioners we recommended refusal in a report that was not considered by CCC until after the February earthquake. As a result we were requested to review our recommendation to take account the dramatically changed circumstances. This hearing was held in July 2011.
    • PC 23 and PC 7 Selwyn District: Involved forward planning for over 500 hectares of urban growth in Rolleston and Lincoln in the post earthquake environment.
    • Coastal Subdivision Ohau, Horowhenua Sole Commissioner
    • Childcare Centre Levin: Sole commissioner
    • Mt Cass Windfarm: One of 3 commissioners determining resource consent application for a large windfarm in North Canterbury.
    • Rural Residential Subdivision Greytown: Sole commissioner.
    • Nelson Park Mega Centre: Hastings: Commissioner tasked to make Section 93/94 decision and to determine resource consents.
    • Coastal Residential Development Tora: Chair of Commissioners on Conservation Estate resource consent involving 25 dwellings at Tora.
    • rk Avenue Extension and subdivision: Chair of Commissioners on major proposal for 100 lot subdivision, road link and advanced earthworks for access into Lincolnshire Farms development area.

       

       

    • Museum Hotel: Wellington.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANS

Projects

    • Auckland Unitary Plan: Evidence to the IHP on various matters including the Albany 5 Precinct which has been directed for a re hearing by the Court of Appeal. 

    • Land Use Recovery Plan Approval: Appointed by CERA as Project Leader of a team of advisers to the Minister of Canterbury Earthquake Recovery on the approval of the Land Use Recovery Plan for Greater Christchurch.
    • Private Plan Changes Palmerston North: A range of private plan changes for residential and industrial areas in Palmertson North. Currently involved in a working with the Council on a Plan Change for the City West growth area.
    • PC 22 Horowhenua District Plan: Preparation of a Plan Change on outstanding and high amenity landscapes including the s42A report for hearings.
    • Rangitikei District Plan Efficiency and Effectiveness Review: Review of the performance of the District Plan to identify urgent changes and policy programme leading up to review of the Plan.
    • Taupo District Plan Designations: Investigation, advice and evidence to hearings in support of Taupo District Council Works Department designations in the Proposed District Plan.
    • State of the Environment Report: Rangitikei District Council: Development of a framework and specification for later preparation of an SoE Report and then research and preparation of the SoE report in 2004.
    • Wellington City Council Policy Framework for Urban and Natural Policy Development: The preparation of a discussion paper proposing an overall framework and structure of work on policy development both outside the RMA and in the context of review of the District Plan.
    • Plan Change 2 Wellington City District Plan: Development and implementation of an overall strategy to regulate the threat of a cluster of commercial sex premises in Courtenay Place including Bylaw amendment and Plan Change.
    • Former Chest Hospital, Alexandra Road Wellington: Expert evidence to the Environment Court on Open Space provisions for the site. Case successful.
    • Rangitikei District Plan: Rangitikei District Council. Management of drafting of the Plan, Council Workshops, full responsibility for all aspects of the hearing, decisions and reporting processes. Also subsequent Plan Changes.
    • Horowhenua District Plan: Horowhenua District Council. Preparation of the Proposed District Plan.
    • Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan Marlborough District Council. Preparation of the plan sections for Picton and Havelock and assistance with policy development in a range other areas of the plan. Preparation of issues and options papers on residential activities and the east Marlborough coast.
    • New Zealand King Salmon Board of Inquiry: Friend of Submitters providing guidance to submitters during the submission stage and leading up to the hearing.
    • Coastal Development Mahanga: Development of a comprehensive suite of consent applications for a 6 lot subdivision and development of holiday homes at Mahanga.

DEVELOPMENT

Projects

    • Brooklyn Zip Line: Evidence to the Environment Court on the resource consent.
    • Masonic Villages Trust Woburn Care Suite Redevelopment.
    • Masonic Villages Trust Woburn Retirement Village: Resource consents for architecturally designed high density apartment development of 85 units in Lower Hutt.
    • Masonic Villages Trust: Wainuiomata Retirement Village: Resource consent for staged development of a new retirement village in central Wainuiomata.
    • Wainuiomata Catholic Primary School: Project development process and consents for redevelopment of existing school in Wainuiomata.
    • College Street Apartments; Consent process for new apartment development in College Street Te Aro Wellington.
    • Former Dental School Building Wellington: Management of consent implications of a redesign of redevelopment of the former Dental School heritage building in Wellington and associated archaeological consents
    • St Bernards College, Lower Hutt: Development of overall scheme and management of resource consent process for complete redevelopment of the existing college.
    • Garin College: investigation of the feasibility of a new Catholic college in Nelson, member of project steering group, investigation of alternative sites and negotiations to secure site, management of designation process for site and associated consultation and investigations. Designation of site and resolution of appeals. Also consented separate boarding establishment
    • ProMall Regional Shopping and Entertainment Centres. Upper Hutt. Lead consultant on the project development of a 80,000m2 centre in Silverstream Upper Hutt including coordination of team of consultants and overall preparation of resource consent applications and AEE. Expert evidence to Council hearings and Environment Court.
    • Open Space Appeal, Capital Coast Health. Expert witness to a very successful appeal against zoning provisions in the Wellington District Plan affecting land in Newtown. Issues involved open space controls and outstanding natural features and landscapes.
    • BurgerKing Wanganui. Expert review and evidence for the High Court as part of a judicial review of a certificate of compliance granted to BurgerKing in Wanganui.
    • Housing Target Markets WCC: The development of options for targeting housing provision including consultation with emergency housing providers, rental providers and specialist health providers.
    • Lambton Quay Redevelopment, Prudential Portfolio Managers NZ Ltd. Consent process advice and expert evidence on heritage variation, parking rules in the Wellington City Proposed Plan and land use consent hearings.
    • Evaluation of Possible Casino Sites, Wellington City Council. Development of evaluation gaming methodology and facilitation of Council exercise.
    • Resource Management at Devonport. New Zealand Defence Force. Management strategy for Devonport Naval Base ensuring that resource management responsibilities are met while retaining operational flexibility.
    • Tai Kok Tsui – Urban Renewal Study, (1989), Hong Kong. Land Development Corporation of Hong Kong. Provided a major contribution to study methodology and investigation of implementation issues. Primarily responsible for evaluation of action plans involving the synthesis of work from a wide range of specialist sub-consultants.
    • Havelock Planning Study, (1986 – 1987), Marlborough, New Zealand. Marlborough United Council. .Project Manager and convenor of a steering committee of representatives of 12 organisations in Marlborough charged with steering a study on the future development of Havelock in the Marlborough Sounds.
    • Tauhara 2 Geothermal Power Station: Peer review of all specialist above ground reports as part of the AEE process.
    • Waikato Wind Farm: Review of consentability for wind farm areas near the Waikato northern coast for Contact Energy Ltd.

Energy

Projects

    • Battle Hill Wind Farm: Consentability assessment for Contact Energy.
    • Baring Head Wind Farm, 1995/6 Project involved 40 wind turbines on a scenic headland on the eastern side of Wellington Harbour. I was engaged to oversee and peer review the work of the principal resource management advisor.
    • Future Thermal Generation Sites: Identification, investigation and assessment of 14 alternative future thermal generation sites in the north island.
    • Southdown Power Station Expansion: part of project team working with Mighty River Power Ltd to consent expansion of Southdown Power Station with the first stage being an additional open cycle gas turbine generator to be run on gas or diesel.
    • Section 127 Cancellation of Conditions: advice and development of application for cancellation of CO2 mitigation conditions at the Taranaki Combined Cycle Power Station.
    • Contact Energy Due Diligence. 1999. Undertook due diligence investigations of Contact Energy’s interests in Australia which include six hydro power projects and a cogneration power station in Queensland. Task involved review of regulatory environment, compliance and environmental risks associated with each site.
    • Mangahau Power Station Environmental Audit, 1992 Project manager of a team reviewing the process and scope of investigations undertaken by ECNZ and consultants leading towards the granting of a wide range of consents for the continuing operation and management of the 90 year old hydro power scheme.
    • Huntly to Marsden Power Stations High Pressure Natural Gas Pipeline Environmental Impact Report, 1986/7 ECNZ. Replaced Denise Church as the project manager of this major project investigation. This was a ground breaking study and applied new techniques in cultural impact assessment, non market valuation of property impacts and robust community consultation. I was the principal author of the Environmental Impact Report which was to have been audited by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. The project did not proceed but the investigations and processes set the standard for many other major infrastructure projects in Auckland.
    • Christchurch Southern Motorway Stage 2: Appointed by EPA as Friend of Submitters providing guidance to submitters during the submission stage and leading up to the hearing.
    • Western Ring Road Waterview Connection: Co-author with Murray Kivell of 3 s42A reports for the Board of Inquiry.

Transportation

Projects

    • Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Draft Wellington Regional Land Transport Strategy: Greater Wellington Regional Council, 2006: A specialist review of the performance of the draft WRLTS against the overall objective of environmental sustainability.
    • Western Corridor Transportation Study: Project Manager for the southern part of the corridor from Mackays Crossing to Ngauranga responsible for the development of a Corridor Plan for all modes of transport involving up to $2 billion of transport investment over 20 years.
    • Blenheim to Picton Passing Lanes: Specialist advise to team designing and consenting passing lanes between Picton and Blenheim.
    • SH 1 Otaki to Peka Peka Road Upgrade: Key project management input on resource management requirements and project development process for a major upgrade of SH1. Current. Specialist assessment of land use, social, and business impact issues.
    • SH 2 / SH 58 Haywards Hill Upgrade: Management of environmental investigations and public consultation of significant safety improvements, realignment and grade separated interchange. Management of the consent process, presentation of expert evidence and resolution of appeals.
    • SH 1 Basin Reserve Long Term Improvements: Member of team investigating long term traffic improvements at the Basin Reserve.
    • SH1 Upgrade: Blenheim: Management and execution of consents processes for the upgrade of State Highway 1 through Blenheim.
    • Picton Port Redevelopment, Port Marlborough NZ Ltd – Design environmental assessment and project coordination of significant redevelopment and upgrade of inter-island ferry facilities at Picton.
    • Clifford Bay Ferry Terminal. Port Marlborough NZ Ltd – Review, assessment and expert evidence to major hearing on resource consents for a new ferry terminal including a 2.5 kilometre reclamation.
    • Marlborough Regional Land Transport Strategy. Marlborough District Council. Preparation of a strategy for land transport needs for Marlborough, including passenger transport, pedestrian and cycling.
    • The Incorporation of Social and Environmental Issues into Project Evaluation Procedures, Research Project EC19, New Zealand. Transit New Zealand. Project Manager of a research team of WCS planners investigating alternative evaluation methodologies for highway projects, including the role of non-market valuation techniques.
    • Levin Bypass Project Investigation, (1989 – 1990), Levin, New Zealand Transit New Zealand. Horowhenua District Council Project Manager of a multi-disciplinary team investigating alternative alignments for a bypass of Levin. The investigations included specialist impact studies of Levin businesses on agriculture and ecology. In addition the process involved extensive public consultation including liaison with the tangata whenua.
    • SH2 Upgrading, (1989 – 1996), Silverstream, Upper Hutt, New Zealand. Transit New Zealand. Responsible for overview management of Consultant planners work on the environmental impacts of the widening of SH2 affecting Scenic Reserve with high ecological values. Also responsible for preparing the Comprehensive Project Review Report. Also project manager for subsequent phases of work including negotiation with DOC, and successfully securing designation and Public Works Act consent for the project.
    • Wellington Motorway Extension, (1988 – 1990), Wellington, New Zealand. Transit New Zealand Contributed to Project Team Management overview of methodology and quality of investigations and advice given by Consultant Planners. This included the production of a series of reports including: Social and Environmental Impact Assessment (1988), Scheme Assessment Report (1989), Proposals for a Public Information and Consultation Programme (1989), Report on Noise and Acoustical Impacts (1990)
    • Laws Hill/Potts Hill SH57 Environmental Impact Assessment, (1989 – 1990), New Zealand. Transit New Zealand. Manager of staff responsible for project. Management overview and coaching of staff involved in the project, including study methodology, public consultation and report preparation.
    • SH6 Research Road to Maiseys Road Realignment Environmental Impact Assessment, (1989 – 1990), New Zealand. Transit New Zealand. Manager of staff responsible for project. Management overview and coaching of staff on environmental impact investigations of options to upgrade SH6 North of Nelson. Investigations included assessment of impacts on Waimea Estuary, landscape impacts and agricultural impacts.
    • East Midlands Airport Runway Extension, (1978 – 1979), Leicestershire, England Responsible for planning research on the impacts of the extension of the runway at East Midlands Airport. Technical investigations included Employment Impacts, Housing Impacts, Roading Connections and Noise studies leading to the presentation of expert evidence to a Planning Appeal Hearing.
    • Wellington Stormwater Reconsenting 2008 Capacity Ltd: Strategy development and implementation
    • Moa Point Reconsenting Consultation: 2007. Capacity Ltd Development and implementation of consultation strategy with stakeholders, individuals and iwi.
    • Canterbury Meatpackers Ltd New Meatworks: Expert evidence to the Environment Court on appeals against consent granted by Horizons. MW and Rangitikei District Council for a new meatworks at Marton.

Environment Studies

Projects

    • Wharf Quarry, Pauatahanui. 2000. Expert evidence to hearings on a consent extension for an existing quarry. Affidavit to the Environment Court in relation to third party enforcement order proceedings.
    • Levin Landfill Consent Renewal. Expert evidence to hearings on renewal of discharge consents for the Levin Landfill involving sensitive tanagata whenua issues.
    • Karori Sanctuary Project Management, Wellington City Council. Project management of Council interface with Sanctuary Trust during process of property, land management and resource management consents.
    • Heat Dry Sludge Treatment Plant, Protein Ventures Ltd – Assessment of effects on the environment and consultation for sludge treatment plant using new technology to New Zealand. Including programme of consultation with iwi, consent management and presentation of evidence.
    • Owhiro Bay Quarry Assessment, Wellington City Council. Independent assessment of Council policy implementation and member of Council Negotiating Team.
    • Nelson Recreation Conservation and Landscape Study Nelson City Council/Tasman District Council. Study of the recreation, conservation and landscape protection needs of Nelson City. The study involved a major public recreation survey of both Nelson and Tasman. A strategy was developed as specific input to the Nelson City District Plan and management of Parks and Recreation Department.
    • Marlborough Reserves Strategy. Marlborough District Council. Development of a strategy for reserve acquisition and development including esplanade reserves, landscape protection and regional recreation facilities. Funding mechanisms were also investigated
    • Rangitikei Reserves Management Plan. Rangitikei District Council Development of a strategy for the provision of recreation and management of reserves including esplanade reserve policy.
    • Environmental Audits: Confidential environmental audits and compliance audits for a range of clients, including major industrial plants, transport infrastructure including ports.
    • Prostitution Reform Act: Preparation of a good practice guide on the implementation of the Prostitution Reform Act.
    • WCC ECBU Customer Survey and Investigation: Survey of recent resource consent applicants and independent investigation of quality and management issues raised.
    • Resource Management and Building Act Charges and Fees. Analysis of resource management costs for the expansion of Marlborough district Council to a unitary authority and preparation of policy and pricing for administration fees. Also similar analysis for Building Act fees.

Management Studies

Projects

    • Study of the Delivery of Social Services in Rural Areas, (1984 – 1985), Wanganui, Manawatu, New Zealand. Responsible for survey and research on the delivery of library, preschool education and rural delivery services in remote parts of Manawatu and Wanganui.
    • Managing Rural Amenity Conflicts: Ministry for the Environment. 1999/2000. Research project developing best practice advice for district plans on rural amenity issues and conflicts. Training programme of eight seminars around New Zealand as part of MFE/NZPI CPD programme.
    • Resource Management Act Amendment Bill: 1999/2000. Preparation of submissions for Trans Alta and A.P.I.S. presentation of submission to the Local Government and Environment Select Committee.

Resource Management Act

Projects

    • Iwi Seminar. Commissioned by Horowhenua District Council to present a half day seminar to 50 representatives of iwi in the region in order to up skill iwi on the workings and practices of the RMA.
    • Seminars and Papers on the Resource Management Act, New Zealand. Transit New Zealand. Ministry of Education. NZ Police, Ministry of Forestry, Department of Health, New Zealand Defence Force. The delivery of seminars, presentations and papers on the Resource Management Act and its implementation.
    • Technical Guidelines on District Plans Under the Resource Management Act, New Zealand. Ministry of the Environment. The preparation of technical guidelines on the methodology and processes associated with the future preparation of new District Plans under the Resource Management Act. Including presentation and preliminary paper to a workshop in Dunedin.

THOMAS PLANNING

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