Richard coles - director, planner
Richard founded Momentum Planning and Design (Momentum) at the start of 2016 following a 23-year planning career in both local government and the consultancy sector. He has worked on a range of multidisciplinary projects such as Special Housing Areas, industrial and commercial developments, master planning, subdivision, project feasibility, due diligence as well as working on smaller projects.
Richard is often the lead consultant on large planning projects and developments. He has an ability to see the big picture and takes a strategic and collaborative approach to solving complex problems. During the last three years he has been involved in four Special Housing Area developments within the Tauranga Area. He has a keen interest in the affordable housing sector and appreciates good urban design.
As an expert witness, Richard represents clients at local Council hearings and the Environment Court. He has been involved in several appeals, many of which are resolved through mediation.
Richard's passion is assisting clients to achieve their goals navigating them through strategic planning processes, policy development, master planning and acquiring resource consents.
tom watts - planner, urban designer
Tom is qualified and experienced in Town Planning, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture. He has developed a diverse skill set able to be applied to a variety of different planning projects.
Tom returned to New Zealand following several years overseas where he worked in both the private and public-sector. This includes planning in London Borough Councils, involving the assessment and determination of minor and major planning applications. Pre-application meetings and advice with architects and developers and working on strategic projects, from both a planning and urban design perspective.
He has also worked in the private sector in Perth, Australia. This work experience involved the preparation of planning applications, subdivision plans, structure plans, master plans, urban design concepts, and production of a range of graphic solutions, including 3d models.
This experience enables Tom and the team to meet a range of planning and urban design needs. From small scale to large scale projects, there is value to be added through the growing design arm of Momentum Planning and Design.
AMANDA MOORE - PLANNER
Amanda is a Resource Management Planner previously from Wellington, having worked in local government and private sectors for 5 years. During this time, she has been involved in a range of planning work including the assessment of complex planning applications, monitoring multiple resource consents and reviews of plan change submissions. Some of the consenting projects she has undertaken include comprehensive multi-unit developments, alterations to heritage buildings, small- and large-scale subdivisions and a wide range of residential developments.
Amanda has experience working alongside a variety of technical and professional disciplines. She enjoys working with clients through the planning process to help them obtain their consent and reach a positive outcome.