Planning Services

A fascinating book, “Kairuri, The Measurer of Land” by Nola Easedale was first published in 1988 which documented the life of the 19^th Century Surveyors in NZ, pictured through their art and writings.

As settlements grew throughout NZ there was an increasing need for a planning regime that both planned for and controlled the use and subdivision of land. From the mid 1950’s through to the late 1980’s the Town and Country Planning Acts were the primary town planning legislation. One of the requirements of this legislation was that only a Surveyor could submit a Scheme Plan of subdivision to a local authority. Not only did this require all the draughting and measurement skills of Surveyors, it also required an intimate knowledge of local planning rules.

After large scale reform the Town and Country Planning Act was replaced with the Resource Management Act, which also integrated the management of freshwater, air and other resources.

To this day, Surveyors are not only trained in the science of measurement, but also in Resource management planning, and Civil Engineering. These 3 skills provide NZ trained Surveyors with all the knowledge and expertise to prepare planning applications, design civil works, and undertake Land transfer Surveys.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I engage a planning professional for my project?

It's best to seek planning advice as early as possible, especially before purchasing land, designing a development, or lodging an application. Early guidance can help identify requirements, constraints, and opportunities before significant costs are incurred.

Can planning services help reduce delays during the approval process?

Yes. Well-prepared applications supported by accurate information can help streamline the assessment process. Our team works to ensure applications are complete and address relevant planning considerations from the outset.

What types of projects can benefit from professional planning advice?

Planning advice can be valuable for a wide range of projects, including subdivisions, new dwellings, property developments, commercial projects, land use changes, and activities that may require resource consent approval.

How does Birch coordinate planning with surveying and engineering requirements?

Our in-house team works collaboratively across planning, surveying, and engineering disciplines. This integrated approach helps ensure project requirements are aligned and potential issues are identified early in the development process.