Meet the team.
Our dedicated team are responsive and committed to achieving the best planning outcome for your next project, no matter how big or small.
Having a range of different experiences we work collaboratively, along with a team of external specialists, to support our clients' development goals.
David Parkinson
Director / Planning Consultant
Planned is led by Director David Parkinson, a planning professional with over 20 years of experience across both the public and private sectors in New Zealand and internationally. David brings a diverse wealth of knowledge with significant experience navigating the complexities of Auckland’s Unitary Plan and various other statutory planning documents.
Known for his practical and results-driven approach, David provides proven planning advice that helps clients maximise development potential. His expertise consistently delivers successful outcomes, including resource and subdivision consents, tailored to meet each project's unique requirements.
Yuto Tsuchiya
Planning Consultant
Yuto brings over nine years of planning experience across both the public and private sectors. Before joining Planned, he held planning roles at Auckland Council and Waikato District Council, gaining valuable insight into local government processes and expectations.
At Planned, Yuto works on a wide variety of resource consent and planning projects, with expertise spanning residential, commercial, mixed-use, rural, and heritage developments. He is well-versed in managing both non-notified and notified consents and has represented projects at consent hearings.
Yuto brings extensive experience in processing resource consent applications of varying complexity on behalf of Auckland Council. His dual perspective allows him to navigate Council processes efficiently and tailor development proposals to meet regulatory requirements—minimising delays and streamlining the consent process for clients.
Leandra Strydom
Planning Consultant
Leandra began her planning career in South Africa before relocating to New Zealand in 2018. She brings over seven years of experience across both public and private sectors, including key roles at Auckland Council. Her background spans a diverse range of projects—from multi-unit housing and industrial developments to subdivisions and Special Character Area proposals.
With a sharp focus on quality, accuracy, and planning detail, Leandra is known for her thorough approach to resource consent assessments. She has also contributed specialist expertise to Auckland Council’s Parks and Places team, providing strategic input on open space planning.
Leandra is a dedicated and solutions-focused planner who values collaboration and strives to communicate thoughtfully and effectively.
She works closely with clients to navigate planning processes and deliver outcomes that support high-quality, well-considered urban development.
Kate McCullough
Planning Consultant
Kate brings more than seven years of planning experience within the private sector and has previously served as Lead Planner at a planning and surveying firm. In this role, Kate managed a diverse portfolio of resource consent and planning projects, including residential, commercial, mixed-use, and rural developments and subdivisions across Auckland and the wider region.
With meticulous attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and comprehensive knowledge of the Resource Management Act, Kate consistently delivers high-quality planning outcomes. Her expertise includes navigating complex planning frameworks and providing strategic advice that balances client objectives with regulatory requirements.
A committed and solutions-focused planner, Kate values clear communication and strong collaboration. She takes pride in fostering positive working relationships with clients, consultants, and councils to ensure planning processes are managed smoothly and efficiently. Proactive in minimising delays, she is passionate about contributing to well-considered, sustainable urban and rural development that supports long-term community and environmental outcomes.
Mark Ross
Planning Consultant
Mark is a planner with 24 years of experience working for both councils and private planning consultancies. Starting at North Shore City Council in 2001 he then worked in the UK as a contract planner across several local authorities, managing a wide range of applications from small-scale developments to major urban projects.
Upon returning to New Zealand, Mark joined Auckland Council’s Major Infrastructure Team, contributing to key projects such as the Waterview Tunnel, the SH18 extension, and national electricity upgrades for Transpower. He then made the move to the private sector, supporting company growth and delivering strong outcomes for clients.
At Planned Mark advises on and submits consents for residential and commercial developments, prepares evidence and leads Council and Environment Court hearings.