With the new planning regime reshaping subdivision practice across New Zealand, strategic thinking is now essential for success. This intensive 3h webinar brings together leading experts to deliver practical guidance on navigating the evolving regulatory and commercial landscape. Gain clarity on how the post-RMA framework will affect subdivision approvals, learn strategies for managing conditional contracts, caveats, and easements, and discover how to leverage technical evidence to strengthen your position in complex disputes. This program equips you with the insight and tools to plan, protect, and progress your clients’ subdivision projects in 2026 and beyond.

Presenters

Scott Ratuki, Partner, Tompkins Wake
Scott is a commercial lawyer with specialist expertise in commercial property construction and development, banking and finance law and in syndication and securitisation of investments relating to commercial property.  Scott leads Tompkins Wake's commercial property practice and combines his legal expertise with a deep understanding of our clients’ business to provide high-level commercial advice. Scott uses his expertise to navigate complex regulatory environments delivering our clients practical and effective solutions to their often-complex financial deals and transactions. Scott has a thorough understanding of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism Act and the Financial Markets Conduct Act. As a talented and accomplished musician, Scott also has a strong interest in Events and Venue related law, advising promoters and venue owners on a wide range of commercial and contractual legal matters. Scott is ranked in AsiaLaw Profiles as a notable practitioner in construction and real estate law for the Asia Law 2020 edition. He has also been noted as a recommended lawyer in The Legal 500 for Asia Pacific 2020, 2021 and 2022.

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). Charlotte has previously worked in local government and appears in the District Court, Environment Court and High Court on subdivision and environmental law matters. Charlotte regularly presents and publishers on subdivision issues and practice.


Kitt Littlejohn, Barrister, Mediator and Commissioner, K R M Littlejohn, Barrister
Kitt Littlejohn is one of New Zealand’s most experienced environmental and resource management lawyers, with more than 25 years’ experience advising on complex planning, infrastructure, public law and regulatory matters. Practising as a barrister, mediator and independent commissioner, he regularly acts for applicants, councils, infrastructure providers and community interest groups in some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant resource management and development projects. Kitt is widely recognised for his expertise in environmental and planning law, appearing before local authorities, independent hearing panels and the Environment Court on consenting, land use, policy planning, enforcement and regulatory proceedings. In addition to his advocacy practice, he is a highly experienced independent hearing commissioner with Chair’s Certification and has chaired numerous Environmental Protection Authority fast-track hearing panels. His practice also includes mediation and facilitation of complex planning and property disputes, where he is valued for his practical, solutions-focused approach. Combining legal expertise, regulatory insight and extensive decision-making experience, Kitt is a highly respected adviser and speaker on planning, infrastructure, environmental and resource management law.

Graham Petrie, Survey and Urban Development Manager, Harrison Grierson
Graham leads the Land Surveying team with a strong focus on relationships, customer service and high professional standards. Graham has a strong foundation in project and contract management, and organisational change and implementation projects. Graham's technical skills cover a wide range of surveying disciplines as well as the entire land development and subdivision process. He has a special interest in GIS and geospatial data capture. Graham takes a blended technical and strategic approach to complex project sand problems to find innovative and cost-effective solutions, and he has a reputation for developing lasting relationships with clients.

Ryan Healey, Licensed Cadastral Surveyor and Principal, Harrison Grierson
Ryan Healey is a Principal Surveyor at Harrison Grierson Consultants and has been a Licensed Cadastral Surveyor since 2007. With more than 25 years of experience, Ryan specialises in complex cadastral surveying and has a strong interest in land law and the statutory frameworks that underpin the profession. Ryan has extensive experience across a wide range of survey types, including public land acquisition and disposal, strata and unit title developments, large‑scale greenfield subdivisions, and company lease arrangements. Between 2019 and 2024, he played a key role in the master planning and delivery of the Auckland Housing Programme urban renewal project. Ryan is a member of the examining panel for the Cadastral Surveyors Licensing Board of New Zealand, contributing to the maintenance of national licensing standards. He is known for fostering strong working relationships with local and central government authorities and ensuring projects meet all regulatory requirements. Passionate about professional development, Ryan actively mentors graduates and supports emerging surveyors as they progress through their licensing journeys.

Jacinda Johnston, Special Counsel, Tompkins Wake
Jacinda is a Special Counsel who joined Tompkins Wake in 2015. Jacinda works predominantly in our Hamilton office but frequently works from our Tauranga and Auckland offices. Jacinda specialises in commercial property transactions and works with a wide range of commercial property clients, from developers to investors, to facilitate the disposition and acquisition of property, including due diligence and finance, as well as leasing.