Presenters

Kitt Littlejohn, Barrister and Mediator
Kitt is a seasoned lawyer with over 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. Kitt advises 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. Additionally, Kitt has been qualified as an Independent Commissioner since 2008 and since then has chaired well over 100 notified application hearings for numerous local authorities around New Zealand. Kitt has also chaired Expert Consent Panels under the COVID Fast-track legislation and he continues to do so under the new Fast-track Approvals Act.

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.