Are you up to date with the practical implications of recent legislative changes, emerging procedural issues, and what they mean for your subdivision matters?  Explore the realities of the current Resource Management Act framework and the expected impact of the new RMA. Gain practical strategies to navigate emerging risks in due diligence and development agreements – critical areas where gaps in process can quickly turn your client’s subdivision matters into financial and legal headaches. Stay ahead of regulatory shifts and ensure your next project proceeds smoothly, from planning approvals to completion.

Presenters

Kate Storer, Special Counsel, MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Kate is an environmental and resource management lawyer with more than 10 years’ experience advising public and private sector clients on all areas of resource management law. Before joining MinterEllisonRuddWatts, Kate was a partner at a specialist resource management firm in Auckland. Kate works with clients on the full breadth of resource management issues, including in the urban development, infrastructure, industrial, forestry and agriculture sectors. She has expertise in advising on major development projects, including in particular rezoning and consenting large-scale greenfield urban development, mines and quarries. She has chaired three fast track panels for solar farm projects, under the Covid 19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 and the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023.

Charlotte Muggeridge, Partner, Harkness Henry
Charlotte has a specialised skill range across resource management, property development, easements, subdivisions, local government and unit titles. She has co-authored New Zealand’s first textbook on subdivisions (Subdivisions Law and Practice, LexisNexis, 2024). Before joining Harkness Henry, she worked in local government and in private practice. Charlotte has presented seminars for the New Zealand Law Society, Survey & Spatial New Zealand, the Waikato Plan, and Auckland District Law Society on property law, subdivisions, and resource management law.

Tina Hwang, Director, Queen City Law
Tina Hwang is a Director and is the Leader of QCL’s large and award winning Property Team. Tina is also Co-Convenor of The Law Association (previously ADLS) Property Law Committee and member of The Law Association Property Disputes Committee. Tina mainly practises in property, construction and litigation. She has deep and wide experience in virtually all aspects of property law and property development and has been involved in some of New Zealand’s largest property projects. Tina has also developed expertise in construction issues and has presented papers at many New Zealand law seminars on property and construction law. She contributes regularly to the Builders & Contractors Magazine. Tina also speaks fluent Korean. Being client-centric Tina has also taken on numerous employment cases (both employer and employee) and the consequent mediation and settlements. Tina regularly appears in Tribunals and Courts. Clients love working with Tina as she is an excellent communicator, works very efficiently and keeps clients fully informed.

Tiffany De Silva, Senior Solicitor, Gaze Burt
Tiffany was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court in October 2020 and joined Gaze Burt in December 2020. Tiffany is a solicitor in the firm’s property team and has developed a keen interest in property development matters including subdivisions, cross lease conversions, boundary adjustments and the like. Tiffany presents on property and subdivision issues and provides inhouse training to her colleagues.

Kitt Littlejohn, Barrister and Mediator
Kitt is a seasoned lawyer with nearly three decades of post-admission experience. After commencing practice as a property lawyer in his hometown of New Plymouth, he moved to Auckland in 1997, where he specialised in environmental and resource management law, commencing practice as a Barrister sole in 2000. Since then he has practiced almost exclusively in resource management, property, public law, and related regulatory areas. As one of the founders of Quay Chambers in 2007, Kitt has advised a diverse range of individual and corporate clients seeking approvals across a various industries, as well assisting non-profit environmental protection groups. Kitt’s extensive expertise includes advising on resource development and statutory planning projects at all stages, with specialties in urban redevelopment, rural subdivision, coastal and maritime development, retirement, childcare, waste management, and ports. With over 250 local authority hearings under his belt, Kitt is a familiar face in the Environment Court, and has appeared in the District Court, Maori Land Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court on numerous occasions. Additionally, Kitt has been qualified as an Independent Commissioner under the Ministry for the Environment’s program since 2008. He has conducted over 100 notified application hearings, held a Chair endorsement since 2014, and undertaken Commissioner work for several local authorities, including Auckland, Far North, Whangarei, Kaipara, Hastings and New Plymouth. Notably, he was a panel member for the full review of the New Plymouth District Council’s Proposed District Plan, NZ’s first full e-plan prepared under the Planning Standards. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for “big-picture thinking”, Kitt excels in navigating the intricacies of resource management and development procedures in New Zealand. His exceptional interpersonal, communication, and advocacy skills also make him adept at resolving complex issues and handling intellectual challenges with ease.

Kimberly Knox, Director, Gaze Burt
Kimberly is a director at Gaze Burt Limited and specialises in property and commercial law. She provides advice to clients on a wide range of matters, including property and commercial acquisitions, subdivisions, developments and joint venture arrangements. Kimberly joined Gaze Burt in 2016. She is a graduate from the University of Auckland and has practiced in property since her admission in 2006.

Phil Comer, Technical Director, Planning, Harrison Grierson
Technically speaking, Phil brings an abundance of know-how to the Harrison Grierson team, with over 25 years’ planning experience both here and in the UK. In his demanding role he’s usually on the move and involved with everything from resource consents to strategic planning and land development on complex residential, commercial and industrial projects. He also leads spatial planning projects to rezone land by way of structure plan and plan change processes. Little wonder, then, that Phil relishes the diversity of what he does on a daily basis. “What I love about HG is the range of work, the superb clients that we have, and the great people,” he says. Phil has also managed a number of multidisciplinary projects, and been an expert witness in Council hearings, in the Environment Court and the High Court. In his personal life, Phil is a big fan of the outdoors. He loves tramping and fitting in a round of golf when he can. He also has a passion for cooking – accompanied by a decent beer or wine, of course.

Darryl Martin, Technical Director , Survey and Urban Development, Harrison Grierson
Based out of our Auckland head office, Darryl’s reputation speaks for itself. With over 35 years’ experience in the industry, his knowledge of subdivision project management is unparalleled, but his roles within Harrison Grierson extend way beyond his day-to-day expertise. As a Survey technical leader, Darryl takes a prime role advising and assisting our project managers on a wide range of projects, he also continues management of the recent Hobsonville Point development west of Auckland which he has been extensively involved with over the past 13 years. He also excels in everything from proposal and tender inputs, safety and business development – as well as mentoring the constant influx of HG graduates. In short, Darryl is a go-to maestro – yet humble with it – and relishes his position within the company. “What really stands out to me is the great team we have, always looking to support each other. And the way HG has adapted to new technology enabling us to keep forging ahead of the field.” Darryl is a Technical Director at Harrison Grierson, and member of the NZ Institute of Surveyors. He’s also a guest lecturer at Otago University and highly respected conference speaker.