On 24 August 2026, the panel convener appointed the expert panel. The panel consists of:
Kate Barry-Piceno (Chair)
Kate Barry-Piceno is a barrister and governance professional with more than 30 years’ experience in environmental, resource management and local government law in New Zealand and the United States. She holds a Master of Laws in International Environmental and Administrative Law from the University of California, Berkeley, a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Auckland, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Governance and Strategic Leadership from the University of Waikato. She has completed LEADR advanced mediation training and Kopara Iti Crown Governance training.
Kate has extensive experience advising and representing applicants, tangata whenua, businesses and community organisations in complex resource consent, plan changes and Environment Court proceedings. Her work has covered major residential, industrial and commercial developments, infrastructure, freshwater and coastal matters, and primary production and processing activities. She has also acted on significant regulatory compliance matters involving discharges and natural hazards.
Kate is Deputy Chair of TECT, a Director of TECT Holdings Limited and a Trustee of the Tauranga Tertiary Trust. Her previous governance roles include the national board of Surf Life Saving New Zealand and the National Executive of the Resource Management Law Association.
Ian Munro
Ian Munro is a senior, self-employed urban designer, planner and independent decision maker. He has approximately 25 years experience and has worked on over 3,000 projects across the country for councils, developers, submitters, and other community groups. Ian has a Bachelor of Planning and Masters Degrees in Planning; Architecture [Urban Design]; Environmental Legal Studies; and Engineering Studies [Transportation]. His projects span urban growth, subdivision, transport and corridor planning, and land use planning. Ian is a Full Member of the New Zealand Planning Institute and a Registered Urban Designer with the Urban Designers Institute Aotearoa.
Ian currently teaches urban design theory and practice as part of the University of Auckland's Master of Urban Design degree, and has co-presented the New Zealand Planning Institute's Urban Design for Planners CPD course for over 15-years.
Phil Barry
Phil co-established independent economics advisors TDB Advisory in 2002 and has had over thirty years’ experience providing economic and financial advice to leading corporates in the private and public sector.
Phil is a former Director in the NZ Treasury and Adviser in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. He is a member of the International Monetary Fund’s Panel of Fiscal Experts, an expert Lay Member of the High Court of NZ under the Commerce Act 1986, and a Fellow of the Law and Economics Association of New Zealand.
Peter Christensen
Peter is a Chartered Professional Engineer with 30 years' experience in surface water management. He holds a Master of Engineering degree and is an International Professional Engineer (APEC Engineer). He is currently a Director at Storm Environmental in Christchurch.
Peter has led numerous flood risk, stormwater management and waterway enhancement projects, including Christchurch City Council's Land Drainage Recovery Programme and the development and implementation of the Heathcote Floodplain Management Strategy. He has been an adviser to panels under the previous fast-track legislation. He recently sat on the Auckland Recovery Flood Risk Assessment Expert Panel, providing independent technical review of Auckland Council's flood risk categorisation programme. He is a past Chair of the Water New Zealand Stormwater Special Interest Group and is a strong advocate for the inclusion of Te Ao Māori in the water industry.
Register of interests
The register records all relevant panel members' interests. It is updated when necessary throughout the consenting process.