Experienced Experts Who Will Deliver Your Resource Consent

Who We Are

With decades of public & private sector experience. Avant Planning and Urban Design specialises in securing all types of resource consents. Our deep knowledge of technical requirements and council processes enables us to deliver creative, efficient, and tailored solutions for successful project outcomes.

Meet the Team

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  • Sunny is an all-rounder with understanding the planning process and the inner workings of Council consenting practices and has planning experiences in Auckland and Wellington. He has developed a holistic approach to understanding consenting requirements and finding constructive solutions to achieving what the client needs. Sunny is a qualified urban design specialist and has experience working for Auckland Council as an urban designer and privately providing urban design assessments for development projects.

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  • Mike Yu (BPlan, MNZPI)— Director

    Mike covers all aspects of planning, ranging from project inception to delivery with a keen eye for detail. Skills he has acquired through a multitude of professional experiences both within New Zealand and the UK. Before Avant Planning and Urban Design, Mike held a senior managerial position in a multi-disciplinary company where his work performance gave confidence and security to his wide range of clients.

    Mike’s overall ambition is to address all his client needs through thoughtful execution.

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  • Gyanendra is our principal consultant with extensive knowledge and experience, having worked in both the public and private sectors in New Zealand and the UK. Gyanendra has been involved in all facets of planning, with experience in resource consenting and policy planning. Gyanendra manages our most complex projects as well as our public sector work; he also provides our internal and external staff training programmes.

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  • Shilpa is a senior planner with over 10 years’ experience working in the private sector, managing the resource consenting processes for a variety of residential, rural, commercial and industrial applications. She is an experienced project manager who is able to provide strategic advice for projects of varying complexities. Shilpa is pragmatic with a keen eye for detail which ensures that projects are delivered to a very high standard.

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  • Rakad Jaffar— Senior Planner

    Rakad is a senior specialising in regulatory planning and has experience in both the private and public sectors in New Zealand. She has a pragmatic approach and is externally recognised for her project management skills. Given her background, Rakad has good working relationships with a range of stakeholders and experts and is able to communicate with a wide audience when it comes to understanding and applying the planning framework.

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  • Celina has joined us after working in the Hospitality Industry for over 18 years. Having a wide experience in the Accounts area, she will be overseeing all administrative duties in the office ensuring the smooth management of the company.  She has vast experience in all reporting functions, payroll and other financials for the company. Celina is critical in coordinating the multitude of tasks required to keep Avant Planning running like a well-oiled machine.

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  • Lee-Anne is a planner who is passionate about helping clients unlock the full potential of their developments through thoughtful planning and practical advice. With experience across resource consents, development feasibility, notices of requirement, and urban design, she provides clear guidance throughout every stage of the planning process.

    Highly efficient, proactive, and detail-oriented, Lee-Anne takes pride in delivering projects smoothly, accurately, and on time. She works collaboratively with clients, architects, technical specialists, and council staff to achieve the best possible outcomes. Known for her clear communication, approachable nature, and positive attitude, Lee-Anne builds trusted relationships and gives clients confidence that their project is in capable hands.

  • Reuben is our Planning Intern and is currently completing his Bachelor of Urban Planning (Hons) at the University of Auckland. He has a strong eye for detail and a solid working knowledge of Auckland’s planning and legislative frameworks. Reuben also brings valuable managerial experience in warehousing and logistics, giving him a practical foundation in customer service, problem-solving, and ensuring projects are delivered on time.

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  • Known as “Theo”, our resident pug is highly adept at cleaning any spills on the kitchen floor, barking at couriers and welcoming visitors alike, and waiting patiently for his bed to be moved into the sun throughout the day. With 7 years of experience, he’s very qualified to help eat your breakfast, lunch or dinner and keep the office crumb-free.