58 | Local knowledge meets planning expertise River erosion and break-out, Brancott Valley, Marlborough. Karen Phelps Marlborough-based resource management consulting firm WilkesRM is helping farmers navigate increasingly complex planning and environmental requirements, particularly as extreme weather events place greater pressure on land and water use. The firm works across sheep, beef, dairy and viticulture sectors, acting as a specialist go-between for landowners and councils on everything from irrigation permits to flood protection works. “We act for farmers as a practical bridge between them and council,” explains company owner Steve Wilkes. “A lot of what we do is helping them get through resource consent processes. Our focus is on finding workable solutions that allow farming operations to continue and grow while meeting environmental requirements.” Steve comes from a farming background in Marlborough, with his family working the land in the region since the 1890s. That background, he says, gives his company a grounded understanding of farming realities alongside technical planning expertise. He has also worked in the UK on farming and flood management, and worked in Regional Councils in Wellington, Wairarapa and Northland as well as spending time at Marlborough District Council handling water resource consents. In one of his earlier roles he was lead community contact for a 5,500-hectare irrigation scheme, liaising with hundreds of landowners and effectively seeing the process from the council side before moving into consultancy. “We’re down to earth and approachable, with practical experience that goes hand in hand with technical expertise.” Steve is supported by Sam Forrest who is |professionally qualified and has worked nationally and internationally in resource and project management. “We don’t like blowing our own trumpet, but, for example, we work with the majority of the corporate viticulture companies and have been involved in some of the region’s most significant viticulture projects as well as working with smaller familyowned operations,” he says. Operating primarily across Marlborough but also working in Canterbury, Tasman, Kaikoura and the West Coast depending on the project, WilkesRM supports farmers with a wide range of services including resource consent applications for irrigation, land use, river works, discharge permits and coastal consents, as well as preparing environmental assessments, feasibility studies and due diligence reports. RURAL SERVICES » Wilkes RM WilkesRM also works with farmers to assist in diversification of income and maximising infrastructure return. “We assisted in achieving the necessary resource consents to allow a Marlborough high country station to utilise existing on-farm facilities to open a high end farm-stay accommodation venture.” By working closely with clients to assess feasibility before major investment, particularly for irrigation schemes, vineyard development and farm conversions, Steve says this early-stage due diligence can prevent costly mistakes by identifying environmental constraints, council requirements and potential consenting challenges before work begins. The firm can also manage the consent process through council hearings where required. In addition it assists with community consultation, helping projects progress with fewer delays and stronger stakeholder support. Recent projects include the re-consenting of river engineering works on a dairy farm near Blenheim. With several creeks that go through the farm, WilkesRM helped secure consents to undertake river protection work so the pastoral land is maintained and not at risk of inundation and erosion resulting in a positive outcome for both the farmer and the environment. Another significant project involves working on a vineyard in the Wairau Valley. • Building Setout • G.P.S & Topographical Surveys • All Land Surveying Matters • Resource Management • Supply Survey Information Including Plans & Titles • UAV (Drone) Services, Mapping & Photography REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS Land Development Consultants & Resource Management Planners 03 578 7984 | 181 High St, P.O. Box 380, Blenheim office@gilberthaymes.co.nz | www.gilberthaymes.co.nz AFTER HOURS Philip Morton 021 431 190 • Pumps • Tanks • Irrigation • Water Treatment • Compliance • Stockwater Proudly Supporting Wilkes RM MARLBOROUGH www.thinkwater.co.nz (03) 578 3802 marlborough@thinkwater.co.nz “A large flood came down last spring and inundated 20 hectares of vineyard so we were looking at what engineering design is needed for flood and river protection.” With more than 25 years’ experience and a sound knowledge of the Resource Management Act and related legislation, Steve says that WilkesRM is dedicated to finding the best solution for clients and making the process as smooth as possible. “Wilkes RM is about practical, locally informed solutions that help farmers navigate complex regulation without unnecessary delay or cost, ensuring land can be developed, protected and used sustainably for future generations. This approach keeps operations moving forward sustainably.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=