Catherine Clarke

I have been the planning lead on many complex consenting applications, particularly in relation to natural resource management, infrastructure, extractive industries, and energy developments under the Resource Management Act (RMA), and Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf Act 2012 (EEZ Act). I've also been engaged by local authorities to assess and process complex applications for resource consent including Environment Court direct referrals.

I've developed a comprehensive understanding of the technical and specialist assessments required to support applications for resource consent approvals. This enables me to readily assist clients to scope the technical assessments required to support resource consent applications. I'm experienced in evaluating and assessing technical and specialist assessments of effects in terms of planning and policy frameworks as part of the evaluation of resource consent applications; and I'm skilled at seeking solutions to environmental issues, including drafting consent conditions and understanding options for mitigation.

I've held senior positions in both local government and consultancies, giving me considerable experience in policy and plan formulation and assessment. I have acted for local authorities in drafting plan provisions and I've also acted for a range of private clients on the implications of the regional and district plan provisions.

I've been an expert planning witness on numerous occasions acting both for private clients and local authorities, on applications for resource consent, as well as on the development of regional and district planning documents under the RMA.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Regional Planning (Hons, 1st), Massey University

Affiliations

Member, New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI)
Member, Resource Management Law Association (RMLA)
Member, International Association of Impact Assessment