Master Planners Wellington

What does a master planner do?

A master planner sits at the intersection of architecture, engineering, landscape design, ecology, transport and economics. Their task is to translate big-picture objectives into a spatial framework that councils, investors and end-users can all support. In Wellington, that often means balancing seismic constraints, coastal exposure and tight harbour-side sites with the city’s appetite for sustainable, transit-orientated growth.

Why engage a master planner locally?

Local insight. The Wellington Region has its own District Plans, growth areas and engagement protocols with mana whenua. A planner based here already understands the nuances, saving months of rework.
Regulatory navigation. From resource consent strategy through to hearings, experienced consultants know how to read the room and present evidence that satisfies the National Policy Statement on Urban Development and council policy.
Community confidence. Neighbours, iwi and stakeholders are more receptive when the facilitator speaks their language and can point to successful local projects.

Core services offered

• Feasibility testing and yield analysis
• Vision workshops and stakeholder charrettes
• Concept masterplan drawings and 3D visualisations
• Infrastructure and transport integration
• Sustainability and resilience modelling
• Staging, phasing and cost sequencing
• Preparation of resource consent documentation

Typical project timeline & fees

While every development is unique, the process usually runs through five stages:

1. Research & briefing – 2-4 weeks
2. Concept masterplan – 4-8 weeks
3. Stakeholder consultation – 2-6 weeks (often overlaps)
4. Refinement & consenting – 4-12 weeks
5. Implementation oversight – ongoing as construction phases roll out

Fees are commonly charged as a percentage of total development value (0.5–2 %), a lump-sum per stage, or hourly rates between NZ$150 and NZ$350. For a 5-hectare mixed-use site in the Wellington CBD fringe, budget between NZ$80k and NZ$250k for complete master-planning services.

How to shortlist on ArchiPro

1. Use the filters to refine by suburb, specialisation and project type.
2. Open each profile to review credentials, BIM capability, and case studies.
3. Save your favourites, then send a single brief to multiple firms for faster quotes.
4. Check client reviews and any professional affiliations such as NZPI or RMLA.
5. Arrange a discovery meeting to test chemistry and communication style.

Related professionals to involve early

A successful master plan is built on cross-disciplinary insight. You may also need:

• Engineers for structural, civil and services advice
• Project Managers to coordinate programme and budget
• Building Inspectors for compliance checks
• Quantity Surveyors to firm up cost estimates
• Land Surveyors for accurate site contours and boundaries
• Property Valuers to establish end-value scenarios
• Town Planners to prepare planning assessments
• Sustainability Consultants for Green Star and carbon modelling
• IT Solutions providers for smart-city and digital-twin integration
• Building Surveyors for existing asset audits
• Professional Services such as legal and finance advisors
• Audio Visual Consultants to future-proof connectivity
• Safety Consultants for early hazard identification

Next steps

Ready to move from aspiration to actionable plan? Browse Wellington’s most respected master planners below, then contact a consultant to kick-off your project journey.