About
WilkesRM is a Marlborough based resource management consulting firm specialising in:
Resource management planning
Water resources
Due diligence
Community consultation
Policy development, and
Sustainable land management
With more than 25 years’ experience and a sound knowledge of the Resource Management Act and related legislation, we are dedicated to finding the best solution for our clients and making the process as smooth as possible.
Our Team
Steve Wilkes, Managing Director
MSc(Hons)(Physical Geography), BSc(Geography)
Steve is a senior resource management professional, who has more than 25 years experience as a consultant and advisor for various companies and Government agencies in New Zealand and overseas.
He has been based in Marlborough for the past 20 years and been instrumental in guiding many of the region’s wineries, vineyard developments, water storage reservoirs and marine farms through the resource management planning process. He is the principal resource management advisor for many Marlborough-based wine businesses including, Pernod Ricard Winemakers, Marisco Property Group, Delegat Limited, Indevin Estates, Leefield Station, Villa Maria and Saint Clair Family Estate. Steve also provides resource management advice to Wairau River Wines, Forrest Estate Wines, Dog Point Vineyard, Rapaura Springs and Mount Riley Wines.
In addition, Steve provides resource management advice to pastoral farmers, irrigation companies, marine farmers and foresters. Clients include Blind River Irrigation Limited, Marama Irrigation Company, Awatere Irrigation Ltd, Flaxbourne Community Irrigation Ltd and Talleys Limited.
Steve provides Assessments of Environmental Effects for resource consent applications and hearings. He has provided evidence at the Environment Court and the High Court for a range of projects including irrigation schemes, marine farms, water extractions and regional planning. Due diligence reporting on all aspects of resource management also forms a major part of Steve’s workload.
A family man with three children, Steve loves mountain biking, hunting, camping and travelling to far-flung countries. When time allows Steve will be found relaxing with one of Marlborough’s great wines, a craft beer or a coffee.
Catherine Hammond, Resource Management Planner
Master of Resource and Environmental Planning (MRP) (Hons), BSc(Hons)(Geography).
Catherine has been practicing as a professional planner since 2006. She is experienced in all Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) matters, providing planning expertise across the rural, residential and commercial sectors, working closely with the Marlborough District Council, the Department of Conservation, Iwi organisations, the New Zealand Transport Agency, and Fish and Game New Zealand to name a few.
Catherine is qualified with a Master of Resource and Environmental Planning with Honours from Massey University and a Bachelor of Science with Honours (majoring in Geography) from Canterbury University. Outside of planning, Catherine is very active on her Awatere sheep and beef farm with her family.
The words ‘resource consent’ can sound intimidating, but often they don’t need to. Come and have a chat with Catherine and she can provide you with some frank advice on how the process works and what to expect with your project.
Sam Forrest, Resource Management Planner
BSc (Physical Geography)
Sam is experienced in resource management planning and project management; providing planning expertise to clients on rural, residential and commercial projects. Sam works closely with the Marlborough District Council, Iwi organisations and Marlborough Roads on project delivery and stakeholder management.
Sam has been based in Marlborough for 8 years, within the planning, project and wine industries. Prior to that, Sam spent 5 years in planning and infrastructure provision in Western Australia.
Sam understands that the complexities and requirements of resource planning can be daunting for people. Sam ensures that clients are provided with planning advice to facilitate streamlined and timely consenting to deliver business continuity and project success.
Sam is very active out and about the region; Mountain biking, freediving and tramping with her husband and young family.