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 | 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 20 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. She also 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.
Katherine Simpson - Planner
Master of Planning (MPlan), Newcastle University, MRTPI
katherine@thepc.co.nz
021-422-713
Katherine has been a planner in the private sector since 2016. Whilst studying for her degree, she completed a placement year at Transport for London in the UK and has since worked in both private planning consultancy and large multi-disciplinary consulting settings. Katherine's experience has been focused on consenting in the UK, working within a wide range of services and sectors. To date, Katherine's experience has included work in the infrastructure sector, including within renewables, rail and road projects. She has also worked on behalf of water and utilities companies as well as a number of retail and residential clients. Katherine seeks to take a holistic approach to projects on behalf of clients, with the aim of understanding the full picture from the outset in order to obtain the best possible outcome for their needs and requirements.
Katherine originally came to New Zealand on a six month assignment in 2023 and had the opportunity to work within the Auckland Light Rail Alliance. Fast forward two years, and having fallen in love with New Zealand during her first visit, Katherine is now able to bring her extensive consenting experience to the Planning Collective team.
Katherine is a chartered Town Planner with the Royal Town Planning Institute in the UK and is looking to obtain her NZPI membership whilst working with The Planning Collective.
Out of work, Katherine loves getting outdoors and visiting new places, and can't wait to explore more of the Country.
Kate Sanders - Planner
BA University of Otago, MRP Massey University, MNZPI
Kate has been a planner since 2009. While completing her Masters in Resource and Environmental Planning through Massey University, Kate spent three years as a transport and strategic planner with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council in Tauranga. Following this, she moved to Christchurch where she processed consents for Environment Canterbury before moving to an Engineering and Surveying consultancy working with private developers on subdivision and land use consent applications as well as continuing to provide support to the Canterbury Regional Council with transport planning. In 2015 Kate moved to Hamilton and worked with Feathers Planning preparing land use consent applications under district and regional plans across Waikato. Following this Kate set up independently.
Kate brings extensive experience in understanding complex developments under various planning frameworks, project management and providing planning advice for land development projects.
Outside of work, Kate enjoys skiing, mountain biking, boating and spending time with the family on the coast.
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.
Zoey Rosewell - Administrator
admin@thepc.co.nz
021-422-681
With over a decade of administration experience across industries like interior design, medical and green energy, Zoey brings a friendly, detail-focused approach to her role. She is passionate about keeping things organised, supporting the team and helping projects run smoothly. Whilst new to this sector, she has an interest in the planning development process and landscape design.
Outside of work, Zoey loves spearfishing, freediving, and exploring the outdoors.