Articles
Kevin Birch has been writing articles for local newspapers since the company was established in 1989. Originally these were published on a weekly basis, and are now published monthly. The articles are written with the general public in mind and are informative and usually based on current events pertaining to land development and the Resource Management Act. The company's team of Surveyors in Pukekohe, Auckland and Hamilton ensure that they are up to date and participate in all significant plan changes proposed by Councils in their area and these articles serve to keep the public informed of these changes. Changes to relevant legislation is also discussed, along with articles on new technology, significant changes in the Company, and major events effecting Surveyors, such as the Christchurch Earthquake. Periodically the articles provide information on the subdivision process or explain terminology used in the Industry.
Over the years, we have received very positive feedback from these articles from people from many walks of life, and now provide through these pages copies of historical articles. These are updated at least monthly. Please feel free to browse - selected years can be chosen from the selection tools. If you have any comments on any articles please contact us through the contact page. Enjoy reading.
Xmas 2012 article
19 December 2012
From the Staff, Shareholders and Directors of Birch Surveyors Ltd, Seasons Greetings to all our friends, family, clients and colleagues. We wish you all the very best for the Christmas and New Year festive season.
When not to accept Council decisions
16 November 2012
Introducing the Environment Court Appeal process. Links to previous articles on Court mediation, and general information on the appeal process.
Oxfam Trailwalker for Birch Surveyors staff
16 October 2012
On April 6-7, 2013, four members of Birch Surveyors will be competing in the Taupo Oxfam Trailwalker 2013. Oxfam Trailwalker is the most life changing, team building, foot slogging, friendship forming, group hugging experience...ever!
Understanding Easements
14 September 2012
Easements are a common inclusion on titles, and are frequently created as part of a subdivision process. They can also be created outside of the subdivision process.Easements for access are commonly referred to as Right of Way easements.
What property rights do we have?
14 August 2012
We would all like to think that we are allowed to do whatever we like on our own land as long as it does not create unreasonable nuisance to others. Unfortunately that is not the way it works. We are all constrained by a vast array of rules, regulations,
Convert your Crosslease title to a freehold title
11 July 2012
What are the issues and benefits of converting crosslease titles to freehold titles. Read this article to find out
Crosslease Amendments and conversion to Freehold
13 June 2012
Prior to the commencement of the Resource Management Act, but less common since then, many small lot urban subdivisions were undertaken by way of the creation of crosslease titles. Crosslease titles create a shared ownership of the land in the underlying
Council initiated Plan changes (Pt 2)
09 May 2012
The second article about Council initiated plan changes and how plan changes can affect and you can be involved
What are all these plan changes about?
11 April 2012
What is a plan change and does it really affect you? District (also read City) Councils are required to maintain a planning document (District or City Plan) which sets out the rules on how you can use your land and when you can subdivide your land.
My neighbour is transferring a title onto their property
27 March 2012
I have written previous articles on the processes involved and the provision to transfer subdivision entitlements from one property to another. These provisions are particularly pertinent to the Franklin/Auckland/Waikato and Western Bay/Tauranga areas.
Tree Protection Plan change for Auckland
20 March 2012
Auckland Council recently prepared a plan change to protect a large number of trees throughout their region. This was in response to amendments to the RMA which prevented Councils from having a general tree protection across the region.
First steps to subdivision
21 February 2012
Franklin County News article which gives some insights into the process of subdivision
New office in Tauranga
24 January 2012
We are excited to announce the establishment of an office In Tauranga. Read more details on key staff involved, contact details and commencement date