Meet our people

The Planning Collective team are an experienced and friendly crew with deep industry knowledge and a wide range of expertise. Our people have undertaken their own development projects so understand the importance of clear advice, delivering on time, cost effectiveness and finding creative solutions.

Burnette O’Connor -

Director I Planner

  • BRep (Hons) Massey University, MNZPI and RMLA

  • burnette@thepc.co.nz

  • 021-422-346

Burnette is a passionate planner with over 26 years’ experience in all aspects of resource management planning. She has worked in private practice for over twenty years, most of that time running her own planning consultancy OPC and more recently The Planning Collective.

Burnette was the lead planner for Plan Change 25 – Warkworth North a private plan change for approximately 100 hectares of land in Warkworth.

She has provided expert evidence in the Environment Court for a broad range of proposals including land use subdivision and coastal consents, plan changes and District Plan reviews. Burnette is also an Independent Hearing Commissioner and registered Chair as well as a full member of the NZPI and RMLA. She contributes to community through youth and graduate planner mentoring; providing pro bono planning advice and services for community projects where possible; is a member of One Mahurangi Business Association; and promotes planning related activity and community input, most recently and significantly through initiating a community driven spatial plan for Warkworth.

When not at work Burnette enjoys socialising with friends, gardening, hiking, boating and time at the beach.

Diana Bell -

Manager | Planner

  • BPlan Auckland University, MNZPI and RMLA

  • diana@thepc.co.nz

  • 021-382-000

Diana brings over 18 years’ experience in project delivery, statutory planning and environmental management with a pragmatic and proactive approach to the successful delivery of planning projects. She has extensive experience in all aspects of resource management planning and leading multi-disciplinary teams. Diana has an interest in complex projects requiring collaboration between multiple parties and disciplines which result in a high-quality product for end users. She has a track record of quickly identifying the course of action required to address complex RMA and stakeholder issues and secure streamlined reporting and approval processes.

Diana was the Auckland Transport planner for the Matakana Link Road project. More recently she has held the role of AEE – Discipline Lead for the Supporting Growth Alliance. In this role Diana was driving excellence, consistency and ultimately verifying all technical outputs across the programme.

She has provided expert evidence in both Council Hearings and in the Environment Court for a board range of proposals including land use, subdivision, coastal consents, plan changes, plan reviews and major roading projects. Diana is a full member of the NZPI and RMLA.

When not at work Diana enjoys spending time with her children, socialising with friends over a few cocktails, travelling and time at the beach.

Claire Booth - Planner

BPR Massey University, MNZPI, RMLA and MRTPI

  • claire@thepc.co.nz

  • 021-422-079

Claire has been a planner since 2013.  Following the completion of her Bachelor of Environmental and Resource Planning in Palmerston North, Claire spent six years as a planner in Wellington before moving to London for two years. Her time in London was spent providing planning advice for brownfields development, heritage planning, change of use applications, housing estate regeneration and the management of various Council approvals for projects throughout the construction process. Prior to moving to London, Claire’s experience focused on delivering large infrastructure projects in the Wellington Region. 

Returning to New Zealand in 2021, Claire brings back her extensive experience in project management and providing planning advice for complex developments. Originally from Wellsford, Claire enjoys helping local clients with their land development needs.  

Outside of work, Claire enjoys hiking, playing netball, fishing around Kawau Island and spending time with the family on the dairy farm.

Shannon Yates - Planning Assistant

Studying for BUrbPlan(Hons) University of Auckland, MNZPI

  • shannon@thepc.co.nz

Shannon is studying towards a Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours) at the University of Auckland and is a student member of the New Zealand Planning Institute. She was drawn to planning due to her interest and passion for the environment and urban spaces. Shannon enjoys both creative and critical thinking and is looking forward to creating positive outcomes for communities and the environment in her role as a planner. As a planning assistant, Shannon’s role includes supporting the planning team and providing administration support as required.

Outside of work Shannon enjoys relaxing with friends and family and playing hockey.

Amanda Stewart - Administrator

  • admin@thepc.co.nz

  • 021-422-681

Amanda is our office administrator who splits her time between the Warkworth and Silverdale offices. She has a background in marketing, systems and organisation, and loves helping people.

Amanda lives in Point Wells Village with her husband, son and daughter and spends her spare time enjoying the Matakana Coast beaches, cafes and lifestyle with friends and family.

Emily Horner - Accounts

Bachelor of Business in Advertising & Marketing Management

  • accounts@thepc.co.nz

  • 021-422-769

Emily is our accounts & payroll specialist. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Marketing Management. She brings with her a wealth of experience from various finance assistant roles from both New Zealand & overseas. Emily is based predominantly in our Warkworth office.

Emily lives with her husband and two boys in Snells Beach and enjoys outdoor activities such as running, bush walks, and hanging at the beach.