On the 16 February 2026, the panel convener appointed the panel. The panel consists of:
Bianca Sullivan (chair)
Bianca is a planner with over 25 years’ experience across a range of consenting and policy processes. With a Bachelor of Science and Master of Applied Science, her focus has been on the management of natural resources, in particular water. She has worked for local government, central government and as a consultant. Bianca is a certified RMA decision maker and has sat on panels for resource consent applications and policy processes across the country.
Maria Bartlett
Maria has been involved in resource management for over 25 years, in strategy, policy and planning roles. This has included working for regional council, iwi and hapū, and independently, covering freshwater management, climate change response, minerals extraction, marine consents, regional and district planning and Treaty-based relationships. She has assisted in developing approaches to resource management informed by iwi and hapū. Maria works primarily as a certified independent hearing commissioner.
Andrew Whaley
Andrew is a civil engineer with over 30 years' experience covering project governance and management, design, and as a site engineer. Projects have included transport infrastructure, large-scale irrigation and three waters upgrades and operations.
A Principal at GHD, Andrew is highly respected for his leadership talents and sought after for his ability to provide pragmatic advice that is outcomes focused. He has a pragmatic approach and understanding of commercial and risk impacts to projects.
There are no interests to declare for each of the panel members.