Presented by Gina Sweetman


This one day course is part of the plan making stream of CPD. It assumes a reasonable level of skills and knowledge of the topic, and will appeal to planners with several years of experience who are leading or involved with plan review and change processes. This one-day workshop is designed to provide the participants with the skills they need to run an effective plan making process, using a variety of teaching techniques including case studies, exercises and group discussions. The workshop draws on Gina’s extensive experience, and covers the 2017 amendments to the RMA which introduce two new plan making routes, case law, case studies from plan reviews, including:

  • Waikato – Tainui Te Kauhanganui v Hamilton City Council NZHC 896 [2010]
  • Creswick Valley Residents Association Inc v Wellington City Council [2012] NZHC 644
  • Palmerston North City Council v Motor Machinists Ltd [2013] NZRMA 519
  • Clearwater Resort Limited v Christchurch City Council HC Christchurch AP34/02, 14 March 2003 (HC)
  • Kapiti Coast District Council
  • Hutt and Upper Hutt City Councils
  • Wellington City Council
  • Auckland City Council
  • Porirua City Council
  • Environment Canterbury
  • Wellington Regional Council
  • Ministry for the Environment oversight

Learning Outcomes:

  • The role of project management in plan review processes
  • The role of elected representatives and senior management in plan review processes
  • Develop effective consultation strategies for community engagement during the plan making process
  • Deal with the legal effect of rules and their impact of the plan making process
  • Understand the submission and further submission process and how these impact of the plan making process
  • Develop effective report writing and presentation skills for plan making
  • Understand the notice of requirement process

Gina Sweetman
Gina Sweetman is an experienced planner with a wide range of experience, having worked for over 24 years in local and central government and currently private practice. She has a strong knowledge of all aspects of the RMA, with particular strengths in training, statutory planning and implementing best RMA practice into everyday practice. Gina is also an experienced accredited Hearings Commissioner, appointed Development Contributions Commissioner and NZPI Distinguished Service Award recipient.