WHAT WE DO
Planning
Residential, Rural, Commercial and Industrial – Expert advice on the rules that apply, planning strategy, land use consents and subdivision consents.
- Environmental – Landscape, Ecology, Wetlands, Vegetation, Land Contamination, Earthworks
- Commercial and new office activities
- Childcare centres
- Retirement villages
- Plan changes
Town Planning Services Across Auckland, Northland and Waikato
For many clients, the first question is simple: Can I do this?
Our experienced planners provide clear, practical planning advice for residential, commercial and rural development projects. We assess what is possible on your site, explain the rules that apply, and guide you through planning assessments, development feasibility and the full resource consent process through to approval.
Our planners are outcomes focused. They love being involved in creating great places and finding the right solutions to get there. Our clients can rely on our planners to identify potential constraints and to give informed and accurate advice based on our many years of experience and our knowledge of plans and processes.
For any land development project, large or small, a dedicated planner will be allocated to the project and will often be your most regular contact. Your planner works alongside an experienced Cato Bolam director to coordinate all required technical inputs, ensuring an efficient, cost-effective and successful consent outcome.
Planning, Subdivision & Resource Consent Expertise
Our planners have expertise in due diligence investigations and development feasibility assessments, concept schemes including maximum yield assessments, rural and urban subdivision planning, residential developments and redevelopments including apartments and terraced housing.
We prepare and manage resource consent applications and prepare Assessments of Environmental Effects for land use consents, subdivision consents, coastal permits and discharge consents.
Our planners provide advice under the Auckland Unitary Plan and district plans across Far North, Kaipara, Northland and Waikato. We also assist with planning enforcement matters, expert planning evidence, private plan changes, notices of requirement and strategic planning studies.
If you’re considering a development and want clear direction on the planning pathway, contact our team to arrange a discovery call today.
Find out what opportunities exist for your property.
Book a free discovery call Today
Planning Insights
Webinar: Navigating Auckland’s Planning Reset
October 2025
In this on demand webinar, Planning Manager Kaaren Joubert and Senior Planner Chanelle Brodie explain what the proposed Plan Change 120, could mean for Auckland landowners. Learn more
National Direction Updates Taking Effect in 2026
December 2025
MfE has confirmed 10 national direction instruments will take effect January 2026, including three new instruments and seven amendments. These changes will influence decision making in 2026. Learn more
PC120 and landslide hazard risks
December 2025
Auckland Council has endorsed Plan Change 120: Housing Intensification and Resilience. While PC120 is still proposed, its natural hazard provisions are now operative. This is a key time for Auckland landowners to understand how the new natural hazard rules apply to landslides. Learn more
Granny flats: what’s actually changed
January 2026
New national rules for granny flats took effect on 15 January 2026, creating two regulatory pathways. While aimed at simplifying the process, planning and building requirements still apply. This update outlines what’s changed and the steps to take before you proceed. Learn more
