Young RMLA Bay of Plenty (joint with the Bay of Plenty Emerging Planners) is hosting an end-of-year networking event in December.

We’ll be serving some nibbles at two locations within the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua Lakes District Council and Tauranga Cooney Lees Morgan, as we connect, share insights, and celebrate the year that’s been. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow planners, discuss fast-track consenting, and look ahead to what’s next in the planning space.

We are very fortunate to have emerging presenters representing different aspects of the fast-track consent process:

Shawn Gardner - Intermediate Planner - Enspire

Shawn is an intermediate planner with about five years of professional planning experience in both New Zealand and the United States. With a bachelor's degree in environmental science and a master's degree in planning, Shawn has worked in a broad range of planning-related fields. Shawn has worked as a consultant planner for the Department of Conservation, supporting the fast-track process and as part of the project team that supports clients for both listed and referral applications within the fast-track regime. As significant changes emerge in the regulatory planning space within New Zealand, there are new opportunities for planners to engage with these new spaces in ways that add value and advance our shared needs. Shawn is excited to share their experience with the Fast-track process and engage with other Emerging Planners in our role in New Zealand's planning system as it adapts and changes.

Te Hau Gardiner - Solicitor - Cooney Lees Morgan

Te Hau specialises in resource management and environmental law, advising clients on planning and consenting processes, particularly from a local government perspective, under legislative frameworks including the Resource Management Act, Public Works Act, and the Local Government Act. He will bring a legal lens to the discussion on how fast-track consenting is tracking, the opportunities and challenges it presents, and what this could mean for councils and planners moving forward.

🔹When: 3 December, 5:00 pm

🔹 Rotorua Location: Rotorua Lakes District Council

Register here for the Rotorua event

🔹Tauranga Location: Cooney Lees Morgan

Register here for the Tauranga event

🔹 Why: Networking, knowledge, and festive vibes

Let’s wrap up 2025 with great conversations and even better connections!

NOTE: Registration is via the NZPI website. If you don’t have an existing account with them, first click on LOGIN and then create a GUEST ACCOUNT before proceeding to CHECK OUT.