About Independent Planners
Independent Planners are a full service resource management and development consultancy based in the Nelson-Tasman-Marlborough Region. The firm is located within offices in Nelson and Richmond and primarily work in the top of the South Island, however we also work with clients in the Queenstown-Wanaka area and the Auckland super city as our staff are experienced in these regions.
Steve Waterhouse
Steve Waterhouse, originally from Maine, USA received his bachelors in Geography from the University of Maine before coming to New Zealand with his Kiwi wife. He received his planning degree from Auckland University in 1996. He has worked for local councils on the North and South Islands over the past 23 years. Following careers in local government, Steve has been in the private practice for the past four years.
BPLAN | BA Geography | Accredited Hearings Commissioner
What We Do.
Land USE
We are experienced in both commercial and residential developments from new builds to renovations and additions on existing buildings.
Heritage
We are experienced in preparing applications for clients owning Registered Heritage buildings. We understand the heritage building you currently own is a living treasure and how you go about your heritage development greatly influences value both to you and to future generations of Kiwis.
Subdivision
Our staff prepares applications for all types of subdivisions, be it for 2-lot urban infill or multi-lot greenfield subdivisions. We also specialise in “value-added” urban infill style development in preparation for sale and have had good success working with real estate professionals to bring you maximum returns.
Earthworks
Earthworks applications are expedited with a team of professionals including Civil, Structural and Geotechnical Engineers to come up with cost effective environmental solutions for your development. We work with local engineers who have strong local knowledge. Our contracted professionals are well known and trusted by local government and planning staff.
District consents
We are experienced in working with District Councils throughout New Zealand. We are based in the top of the South Island. Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman Councils are “Unitary” organisations which mean they administer both District and Regional functions.
Regional consents (Natural Resources)
Our staff are experienced in regional consent work including major earthworks, hydro-electric projects, coastal subdivision and State Highway designation work. We work with contaminated sites. (HAIL) sites are reasonably common in New Zealand from urban industrial sites to historic sheep drenching sites in the rural environment. We work with National Environmental Standards (NES) to ensure you get cost effective results.
What People Say About Us.
