| 33 REGIONAL Stradegy Strong partnerships help shape strong regions. We’re proud to work alongside Stradegy, supporting thoughtful, sustainable development across Hawke’s Bay. 0800 787 842 SUBDIVISION | SITE SURVEYS BUILDING SET OUT | BOUNDARY SURVEYS 311 Eastbourne St West, Hastings info@surveyingthebay.co.nz | www.surveyingthebay.co.nz T T Karen Phelps New services supporting council projects Stradegy has led the resource consenting processes for six flood-protection projects, new stop bank alignments at Waiohiki, Whirinaki, Pōrangahau, Pakowhai and Wairoa. When it comes to navigating the complexity of resource management in Hawke’s Bay and beyond, few firms carry the depth of experience that Stradegy brings to the table, and it has now added environmental to its suite of services. “We are trying to evolve with the sector and what is expected from a planning consultancy and recognise these environmental services are the ones consistently associated with the role of the planner today,” says Cameron Drury, principal planner and director. With a team of around 18 consultants, Stradegy operates primarily across Hawke’s Bay, but also takes on work in Gisborne, Manawatu, Wairarapa, Rotorua and Taranaki. Its core strength has always been planning, including resource consenting, policy development, and strategic advice, and it is that foundation on which the firm’s expanding environmental offering is now being built. Quietly launched over the last year, the new environmental services division covers ecology, soil contamination, stormwater site management, consent compliance and implementation, and receiving environment monitoring. Recent projects include ecology management plans for flood schemes and fish salvage work for the Hawke’s Bay Expressway project. Cameron says much of Stradegy’s recent workload has centred on the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. Working closely with Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, the firm has led the resource consenting processes for six flood-protection projects, new stop bank alignments at Waiohiki, Whirinaki, Pōrangahau, Pakowhai and Wairoa. The consenting process was facilitated by an Order in Council that Stradegy, along with a number of government departments, organisations and groups, was able to contribute to and support the Ministry for the Environment in creating. The bespoke consenting legislation was designed to streamline the regulatory process to avoid delays in delivering the flood-protection schemes, but not at the expense of community participation or environmental outcomes. Cameron says the outcomes carry real significance for communities as greater protection from flooding events has also enabled people to maintain their insurance. It was relatively unique to be working alongside so many parties to achieve this,” he says. “As we would be using the legislation once it was established, it was great to have been involved in its creation.” Stradegy is also providing support to Gisborne District Council, and continues to be active in land development. One notable current project is the Mission Hills in Napier, a development in which the firm is undertaking master planning, resource consent applications and contributing to district plan reviews. “It’s going to be a new suburb that provides opportunity for housing in Napier Hills, which is freer from hazard risks and impacts of climate change,” says Cameron. “With most of Napier sitting on flat, low-lying ground, the hills development addresses a growing need for housing less exposed to the pressures of a changing climate.” Stradegy also has several projects underway with Napier City Council in the three waters infrastructure space, including consent replacements for existing stormwater discharges, and notices of requirements for water reservoirs and pump stations. Cameron says Stradegy works alongside a number of specialist partner firms to ensure the right expertise is brought to every project. These include both local and national firms, each contributing complementary capabilities across the technical disciplines Stradegy’s projects require. The firm’s broader philosophy is reflected in its guiding principle. “Our slogan, so to speak, is bringing direction, stability and confidence to resource management processes,” says Cameron. “We are problem solvers and aim to add value the whole way along.”
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