Wetland Restoration – from wet unproductive pasture to valuable environmental asset
September 2022
In this article we focus on a specific case study where we restored a wetland that initially had very low vegetation quality dues to decades of ongoing stock grazing, and then proceeded to apply for and gain subdivision resource consent based on these areas, and then a new title.
Celebrating our 50th Anniversary – Creating Great Places since 1972
June 2022
This year, 2022, Cato Bolam celebrates our 50th Anniversary. It’s a great time to reflect on those 50 years, and “crystal ball gaze” into our future!
Planting Native Bush – Subdivision & Environmental Benefit
April 2022
This article discusses another common way of subdividing in the rural zones. If there is no available bush or wetland on your property, and you are looking to subdivide, the planting of native bush may be a way to do this.
Wetland Restoration – How to achieve Significant Ecological Area (SEA) Quality
February 2022
At Cato Bolam, we are experts in answering your questions on how to preserve wetlands and in this article we discuss what is involved in restoring a degraded wetland to one that meets the Significant Ecological Area (SEA) criteria of the Auckland Unitary Plan.
Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Bill Passed
December 2021
The New Housing Supply Bill has passed its third reading and will shortly become law. This bill amends the Resource Management Act 1991 with the aim of rapidly accelerate the supply of housing to address some of the issues with housing choice and affordability that New Zealand currently faces in its largest cities. The new Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS) will be introduced by councils, including Auckland Council, and have varying effect from August 2022.
The MDRS have been amended through the submissions and Select Committee process. Cato Bolam Planning Director, Peter Reaburn summaries the changes and the new density standards in this hot off the press article.
New Housing Supply Bill – “Single House” zone no longer, three dwellings would be permitted
November 2021
The New Housing Supply Bill, if it becomes law, will force changes to all of New Zealand’s major city district plans. Cato Bolam Planning Director, Peter Reaburn outlines the impacts of the proposed new standards, in particular the significant change to the Single House Zone.
New Housing Supply Bill – Amendment to the RMA – Preliminary Information and Observations
November 2021
Prepared by Peter Reaburn, Director of Planning. The purpose of these notes is to provide preliminary information, advice and observations on the new Bill. While the notes are focussed on Auckland, the new Bill applies to all of New Zealand’s major (“Tier 1”) cities.
A Close Up Look at Countryside Living Subdivision
November 2021
The entire Countryside Living zone is intended for rural residential living on the outskirts of Auckland, but it is the precinct overlays that determine what can be done in the way of subdivision. Here we take a close up look at the specifics of zones, the precinct overlays and what it all means in the south and north areas of the Auckland region.
Whangarei Urban Plan Changes Now Operative – New Opportunities
September 2021
Whangarei’s new urban plan has become operative. This brings a whole new range of development opportunities for urban areas, including unit titles, town houses and apartments. Simon Reiher, Director of our Whangarei office, outlines what is achievable within the urban areas following these changes.
RMA Reform – It’s Still a “Watch this Space”
August 2021
The initial public consultation round for the proposed Natural and Built Environments Act (NBA) is now underway, with public submissions on a recently released Draft to be considered by a Select Committee later this year. Cato Bolam’s Planning Director Peter Reaburn, discusses what we know so far and the questions yet to be answered.
