Christchurch

Nicola Rykers

Director, Managing Principal & Senior Planner

Education

Bachelor of Planning (Honours), Massey University, New Zealand, 1988
International Association of Public Participation Certificate, 2002

Professional Affiliations

Member, New Zealand Planning Institute.

Profile

Nicola has practised as a planner since 1988 and has worked on a wide range of planning and resource management projects.

Working both as a consultant planner and as a local authority planner, Nicola has extensive experience in statutory and environmental planning, and resource management including: policy analysis, District Plan preparation and administration, assessment of environmental effects, processing of consents, public consultation and local authority procedures.

She has a sound understanding of the implications and procedures of the Resource Management Act.

Expertise

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.

Plan administration

Providing advice to local authorities on the implementation of District Plans and the Resource Management Act.

Assessment of effects on the environment

Evaluating effects of projects, advising on mitigation and undertaking consultation under the provisions of the Resource Management Act, 1991.

Resource consents

Preparing resource consent applications for projects, including assessment of effects and advice on mitigation, analysis of Plan provisions, consultation with consent authorities and affected parties, and presenting evidence to Council or Environment Court hearings.

Public consultation

Nicola completed the International Association of Public Participation Certificate Course in 2002. She is experienced in identifying groups or persons affected by or with an interest in a particular project; facilitating consultation by effectively informing interested parties and co-ordinating appropriate means of discussion.