Articles on property development, RMA consents, and freshwater management by Charlie Hopkins.
Two recent local jobs, two different outcomes. The difference came down to whether the client had built their feasibility numbers before picking up the phone. Charlie Hopkins on transparency, feaso spreadsheets, and the value of honest cost conversations.
Why pre-purchase consultation with planning experts can save you from costly surprises like overland flowpaths and structure plan constraints when developing property.
Exploring lessons from Christchurch's post-earthquake red zone recovery and what they mean for adaptive reuse, managed retreat, and planning certainty in New Zealand.
Understanding your options when you receive a building consent authority Form 4, with practical guidance for property owners and developers.
The 2025 RMA Amendment promised faster consenting and a pragmatic approach. Eight weeks on, the reality in council planning departments looks remarkably unchanged.
Why ecological assessments should happen during due diligence and design, not at consent stage. Early identification of wetlands, vegetation, and notable trees saves time, money, and uncertainty.
Resource consents aren't the only tool under the RMA. Certificates of Compliance and Existing Use Certificates offer certainty and simplicity during the current reform period.
A summary of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 and what the changes mean for property developers in New Zealand.
Observations from making submissions on the 2025 Proposed District Plan, including what's working, what's changing, and why natural hazards are the topic of the day.
An examination of how Qualifying Matters overlays interact with MDRS up-zoning, and why your site's zoning on the planning map may not tell the full story.
A practical guide to interpreting the 2025 Proposed Lower Hutt District Plan, with tips on reading planning maps, writing submissions, and using professionals.
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