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 over seven years of planning experience within the private sector and formerly served as the lead planner at Frear Surveyors Ltd. In her previous role, she was responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of resource consent and planning projects, encompassing residential, commercial, mixed-use, and rural developments/subdivisions both within and beyond the Auckland region. Kate is deeply committed to the field of planning and is dedicated to delivering optimal outcomes for her clients while minimising unnecessary delays.