About Us
Our story
To tātou kōrero
We are a Māori owned and operated business, dedicated to guiding our clients through the complexities of their various planning projects. We specialise in advisory services that can often involve complex projects and need bespoke or unique advice.
Our principles guide the way in which we undertake our work including being open, honest and transparent and working in an efficient and effective way that suits our clients needs.
Through our work, we are guided by kaupapa Māori values and the tikanga and kawa (protocols) of the organisations we work with.
Who
Ko wai
Puāwai Kake
Principal Planner, Director
M.A. (First Class Hons), University of Auckland
PGDip Planning, Massey University
IAP2 Methods of Engagement
MNZPI - Full member (NZPI)
Resource Management Law Association (RMLA) member
Accredited Hearing Commissioner
Puāwai has extensive experience in resource management policy planning and consenting topics predominantly working on spatial and urban planning in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Te Tai Tokerau Northland.
Working on complex projects, including Māori housing and papakāinga developments, infrastructure planning, and integrating land use, transport planning and urban design.
Puāwai has worked on a variety of planning topics including leading the investigation of mass rapid transit Corridor Study in Auckland, cultural value assessments, resource consents, freshwater management planning, and monitoring the efficiency and effectiveness of plans.
Policy and strategic planning is a strength and she has lead engagement and facilitation with iwi, hapū and government agencies, as well as preparing submissions on central and local government policy and legislation.
Most recently Puāwai served as the Lead Māori Urban Planner at Auckland Light Rail (ALR), where she explored the issues and opportunities related to ALR in the proposed Corridor for mana whenua and the broader communities. Puāwai participated in MCA workshops, prepared NORs for the route, and examined the implementation of the National Policy Statement on Urban Development within the Corridor.
Public and private sector governance and strategic advisory for executives and senior management is also an area of expertise.
Puawai is also an accredited Hearings Commissioner.
.jpg)
Rory Vernon is as an Intermediate Planner at Kohu Strategy and Planning. Rory has a background in infrastructure planning, resource consents, policy and analysis. He completed his Master's Degree at Otago University where his thesis looked at climate change planning, where his topic investigated ‘Rethinking Hazard Management in New Zealand’.
Rory has lead projects and helped to develop and implement consenting strategies for local projects in Te Tai Tokerau Northland. His background and interests are in sustainable development, urban and rural planning, spatial planning and climate change.
Taiāwhio Wati-Kaipo is a Planner at Kohu Strategy and Planning. Taiāwhio brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to enhancing Māori representation and engagement in local government.
In previous roles Taiāwhio led Mana Whenua/Tangata Whenua engagement for the Kaipara District Plan and developed significant chapters on Māori sites, public access, and open spaces. Taiāwhio excels in project management, planning administration, and process improvement, and has prepared numerous section 32 reports.
Taiāwhio holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Policy from Massey University and is in the final stages of completing her Master's of Resource Management and Environmental Planning.
Our Goals
Ā mātou whāinga
-
Sustainable development
-
Effective governance and representation advice
-
Diverse urban realm
-
Thriving communities and households
-
Delivering Māori outcomes for communities.
-
Northland planning solutions