Matt Heale

Matt is a Principal Planner based at TPG’s Nelson Office.

With over 30 years planning experience in resource management plan development, project management, review and implementation roles, Matt has worked with a broad range of iwi, community, and key stakeholders. He is a qualified RMA Hearings Commissioner (chair endorsed) and a freshwater commissioner.

Matt has successfully managed teams of resource consent planners and policy teams since 1998, presented to numerous Council meetings and hearings, and has successfully resolved over 100 Environment Court appeals in this time. Matt has led three major plan reviews in Auckland, Nelson and Southland as well as over 30 plan changes.  Matt also has substantial project and budget management experience including management of over 30 consultants at any one time, covering a broad range of expertise and encompassing all environmental domains and resource management plan topics.

Matt has been the principal advisor to hearings panels on numerous plan changes. In some instances, this has involved preparing plan changes and presenting planning evidence. On other occasions, this has included supporting panels through the hearing process and reviewing decisions prior to release.

Matt is up to date with the current planning framework through his work inputting into national policy changes relating to urban development, freshwater, air quality, natural hazards, and RMA reform.