Environment | Recreation | Community

See What We Do

What We Do


"Inspire strong, vibrant communities and a sustainable planet"

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District & Regional Plans

  • Policy development & evaluation.
  • Project management of plan development & review programmes.
  • Expert planning evidence.
  • Assistance with mediation of appeals.
  • 'State of the Environment' reporting.
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Strategic Policy Development

  • Strategic planning advice, facilitation & development.
  • Implementation plan development.
  • Strategy monitoring, review and reporting frameworks.
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Environmental Assessments

  • Planning risk assessment/management advice.
  • Assessments of environmental effects.
  • Notices of Requirement and Outline Plans.
  • Resource consents (district and regional – including coastal, renewable energy and water consents).
  • Consent processing (district and regional).
  • Hearings Commissioner (Chair endorsement).
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Recreation & Open Space

  • Parks plan development & review.
  • Reserve management plan development & review.
  • Recreation assessments.
  • Strategic advice around public open space.
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Community Plans

  • Community plan development & review.
  • Hapu plan development & review.
  • Community research.
  • Feasibility studies for community facilities.
  • Strategic advice to community groups, iwi groups, and local authorities.
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Community Engagement

  • We are IAP2 accredited practitioners.
  • Community engagement strategy development & review.
  • Stakeholder consultation plan development.
  • Consultation/community engagement programme delivery.
  • Community mediation and facilitation services.

Who We Are

Sage Planning | Sage Advice


Rowena, Debra, Janeen and Stella of Sage Planning

Our Philosophy

"integrity and kindness"

Rowena Macdonald

Rowena brings to Sage Planning more than 20 years' expertise working in regulatory planning & strategic policy, as a consultant.

Rowena has an honours degree in Resource and Environmental Planning from Massey University and is a full member of the New Zealand Planning Institute, and is an accredited IAP2 practitioner. Her career highlights include managing the development of the Wairoa District Plan (first generation) and jointly receiving a Highly Commended Best Practice Award from NZPI for the Hastings State of the Environment Report.

Rowena is a mum of three and enjoys a nice glass of wine after they've all gone to bed!

View Rowena's profile on LinkedIn

Stella Morgan

Stella brings to Sage Planning more than 25 years' local government and consulting expertise in planning processes, community development, recreation / open space planning and community engagement.

Stella completed a Masters in Planning from Otago University, is an Accredited Recreation Professional, an accredited IAP2 practitioner, and is also a full member of the New Zealand Planning Institute. Stella is most proud of her role in developing the Hawke's Bay Regional Park Network Plan, and of her engagement work in the community.

Stella has two grown children, and one still at home, and loves getting out and about on the Hawke's Bay cycle trails.

View Stella's profile on LinkedIn

Janeen Kydd-Smith

Janeen brings 28 years' expertise in environmental planning, policy formulation and analysis, and senior management in the local government and private sectors.

Janeen has a Masters in Regional and Resource Planning from Otago University and is an Accredited Commissioner (Chair Endorsement) under the Ministry for the Environment 'Making Good Decisions' programme. Janeen has a wide range of experience in regional and district planning, with career highlights including obtaining resource consents for Contact Energy's Waitahora Wind Farm and acting as Reporting Officer for hearing of submissions on the Natural Environment and Rural chapters of the Proposed Kapiti Coast District Plan.

Janeen has one grown daughter and is involved in a number of business ventures outside planning, including a jewellery business in Napier that she owns with her husband.

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Debra Stewart

Debra has more than 30 years professional experience which has been gained in roles in both local government and consultancy. Debra has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Hons) as well as Diploma in Horticulture (Dist). Debra has significant experience working with communities and is familiar with the range of community engagement techniques that can be used to achieve the right outcomes. She has the ability to solve problems creatively but with a keen eye on practicality. In her most recent role in local government as the Executive Director of Infrastructure (EDI) at Napier City Council, Debra has honed her skill in delivering complex projects, leading teams and developing good relationships ensuring the communities needs are met. Debra lives in rural Hastings and is passionate about achieving good outcomes for the Hawke's Bay community.

Contact Us

1st Floor
Daily Telegraph Building
49 Tennyson Street
Napier South, Napier 4110
New Zealand
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. Thank you to Peter Scott for permission to use photos.