Auckland

John Mackay

Principal & Urban Design and Development Specialist

Education

Diploma of Town Planning, University of Auckland, New Zealand
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Professional Affiliations

Member, New Zealand Planning Institute

Profile

John joined Boffa Miskell in 2007 with 30 years’ experience in Christchurch, Wellington, London and Auckland, predominantly working within the public sector. His work has ranged from designing and directing streetscape and town centre plans to strategic planning and District Plan development. He directed Waitakere City’s Growth and Transport Integration Programme, which seeks to force high-quality intensification around rail-based town centres and create a new 500 hectare growth corridor in the north.

Since joining Boffa Miskell John has lead a number of projects ranging from urban design reviews to developing master plans. He is currently working with Auckland Regional Council as a ‘critical friend’ to assist with the review of its Regional Growth Strategy.

He has particular expertise in planning and managing large-scale urban development and renewal projects, and seeing them through complex statutory planning processes.

Expertise

Strategic Planning

Growth planning and management, drafting of District and Structure Plans, policy development, long-range and strategic planning, resource consents, public participation, media presentations, heritage planning.

Statutory Planning and Policy Preparation

Analysing issues and developing objectives and policies for plan changes, review and formulation of District Plans. Co-ordinating public information, community consultation and assisting with public hearings.

District Plan Preparation and Policy Analysis

Preparation of District Plan policy and rules, including plan changes. Analysing proposed Plans and Plan Changes and preparing and presenting submissions on behalf of clients.

Heritage Planning

Preparing heritage strategies and guidelines to ensure that the cultural and historic values of landscapes and sites are recognised and protected.

Public Consultation and Participation

Working with communities, interest groups and stakeholders to facilitate discussion and positive outcomes through consensus building and design. Developing public consultation and participation programmes.

Expert Evidence

Providing expert evidence to Council Hearings and the Environment Court.

Urban Design

Structure and Centre Plans, conceptual and detailed design, master planning and subdivision, streetscape and waterfront/downtown enhancement projects, design coordination and guidelines.

Transportation

Pedestrian and bicycle planning, and transport-oriented development planning, parking strategies.

Project Management

Co-ordinating the input of different technical disciplines and managing project development for complex design and planning projects. Extensive public consultation is often involved.