Master Planners Hawkes Bay

Why engage a Master Planner in Hawkes Bay?

From the Heretaunga Plains to Cape Kidnappers, the region’s mixed geography and unique microclimates create both opportunity and risk for new developments. A Master Planner brings a strategic, whole-of-site view, aligning land capability, transport links, three-waters infrastructure, cultural values and future growth expectations set by local councils. Their early guidance can unlock yield, shorten consenting timeframes and ensure your project becomes part of Hawke’s Bay’s long-term resilience strategy.

Core services you can expect

• Site feasibility studies: high-level assessment of hazards, infrastructure capacity and planning rules.
• Vision and spatial master plan: illustrated layouts showing land-use distribution, staging and character areas.
• Stakeholder engagement: iwi consultation, council pre-application meetings and public open days.
• Infrastructure coordination: integrating civil, transport and green networks to optimise cost and performance.
• Regulatory navigation: preparing structure plans, planning assessments and evidence for hearings under the Resource Management Act.
• Delivery oversight: working with architects, engineers and landscape designers to safeguard the original vision.

Credentials that matter

Look for professionals registered with the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) or the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects. Ask for proof of recent Hawke’s Bay projects and confirm familiarity with the National Policy Statement on Urban Development. Memberships, awards and published research signal thought leadership and a commitment to best practice.

Questions to ask during shortlisting

• What comparable projects have you completed in Hawkes Bay’s coastal or flood-prone zones?
• How do you integrate mana whenua values into spatial planning?
• Can you outline your approach to climate-resilient infrastructure and water-sensitive design?
• What software and modelling tools do you use for yield testing and transport analysis?
• How do you charge—fixed fee, percentage of project value or hourly rates?

Typical workflow & timeframes

While every project differs, the journey generally follows these stages:

1. Discovery (2–4 weeks): brief, site walkover, data gathering.
2. Concept master plan (4–8 weeks): initial layouts, yield testing, stakeholder alignment.
3. Refinement & consultation (6–10 weeks): iwi, council and community feedback cycles.
4. Final master plan & reporting (4–6 weeks): graphics, staging plans, infrastructure strategy, cost estimates.
5. Consenting support (variable): evidence, submissions and expert witness as required.

Budget guide

Fees typically range from 1–3% of total land development cost. For a 50-lot residential subdivision in Hawkes Bay, expect $40k–$90k, depending on site complexity, consultation intensity and the number of plan revisions. Obtain a detailed scope list so you can compare like-for-like proposals.

Complementary consultants on ArchiPro

A successful master plan relies on seamless collaboration. Consider engaging the following professionals, all available through ArchiPro:

• Civil and structural engineers for infrastructure design.
• Project managers to keep programme and budget on track.
• Building inspectors for quality assurance.
• Quantity surveyors for cost planning.
• Land surveyors to define legal boundaries.
• Property valuers for market insights.
• Town planners to prepare consent applications.
• Sustainability consultants for low-carbon strategies.
• IT solutions specialists to integrate smart-city tech.
• Building surveyors for compliance checks.
• Professional services advisors for legal and financial guidance.
• Audio visual consultants to future-proof communal facilities.
• Safety consultants to embed best-practice H&S.

Ready to take the next step? Browse our complete consultants directory or connect directly with Hawkes Bay’s leading Master Planners today.