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.
Staff Required
24 November 2020
No doubt we will remember 2020 as the year of Covid, lockdowns, queues outside supermarkets, roads without cars, facemasks, sports events without crowds, and many other unusual events.
New Technology
22 October 2020
With the rapid advancements in technology over the last 50 years, the Surveyor’s toolkit has greatly expanded.
Upgrade for our Hamilton Office
24 September 2020
Covid has certainly created some new challenges for the way we work, and how we interact. In Hamilton, we have used the opportunity to upgrade to larger premises. This week we moved to our new office in 17 Clifton Road.
Knowing Your Boundaries
19 August 2020
Auckland Level 3 lockdown has put new meaning to respecting boundaries. Life is different depending on which side of the Auckland Council boundary you live on – “lockdown or relative freedom”.
Importance of staff retention
24 July 2020
Since returning to normal operating, the level of activity in our industry seems to have bounced back, and we are seeing increased levels of enquiries from Auckland, through the Coromandel and Tauranga areas and over into the Waikato.
What's Been Happening
25 June 2020
When I last wrote, about a month ago, we had just moved to Level 2, and the country subsequently celebrated when we finally got to level 1. When we compare the situation we are currently in with many others around the world, we can be very fortunate.
Still at work
22 May 2020
The past 8 weeks or so has been a period in our lives we will never forget, but hopefully something we don’t have to repeat.
Terminology
26 February 2020
Those involved in the process of Land Surveying, Land subdivision and particularly the Resource Management Act use a number of terms, phrases and acronyms which are peculiar to those processes. This article explains the use of some common terms.
What's happening in 2020
21 January 2020
Most of the team are back at work after relaxing breaks over Christmas and New Year. Workloads are heavy at the moment with some large projects around the branches, but it is good have a flexible team who are happy to move around the various offices.
Season's Greetings
12 December 2019
To all our friends, family, and colleagues, we wish you all the very best for the Christmas and New Year festive season, and hope this will be a safe and enjoyable time for you and your families.
What we are working on
19 November 2019
Our Auckland office in Penrose mainly focusses on Landuse and subdivision developments South of the Harbor Bridge, while our Hamilton office serves clients though-out the Waikato Region, as far North as Te Kauwhata.
Spring Activities around the District
24 October 2019
The start of Spring came, but for some reason the weather didn’t match the season. Generally major earthworks associated with land developments cease over the Winter months and recommence in Spring.
Cross-lease to Freehold
23 September 2019
Previous articles have discussed the general concept of crosslease titles and why these had been so popular in the past. These days crosslease titles are seldom created, and most surveys of crosslease titles are modifications to the crosslease areas.
Protecting Elite Soils
20 August 2019
In the news recently has been the Government’s proposal to protect elite soils for primary production. Having lived in Pukekohe all my life and travelling around the country, I frequently hear comments on what a travesty it is that Franklin’s elite so
LIM Reports
26 July 2019
Any person involved in the sale and purchase of property, and that includes many people at some time or rather, will be aware of Land Information Memorandums (LIM’s).
Verifying Boundaries
22 June 2019
We are regularly engaged to provide advice on boundary issues particularly where neighbours are trying to sort out boundaries in order to build or repair boundary fences, or when owners are undertaking additions to buildings.
Quality Processes
23 May 2019
At Birch Surveyors we focus on providing quality consistent results, constantly improving our services, and providing a stimulating rewarding work environment for our staff.
Terminology
23 April 2019
There are a lot of terms commonly used in the Surveying and Planning professions, and this article explains some of those terms in relatively plain English.
Focus on Quality
21 March 2019
Being in the business of Land Development is enjoyable and stimulating and assisting clients by providing expert advice is rewarding. The process of subdivision or land development, is in itself systematic and requires technical knowledge.
Access to Property
19 February 2019
When undertaking surveys which involve re-establishing old survey marks, it is quite common for Surveyors to require access onto neighbour’s properties. Without access to these adjoining survey marks, it can become almost impossible to re-establish the
Season's Greetings
13 December 2018
To all our friends, family, and colleagues, we wish you all the very best for the Christmas and New Year festive season, and hope this will be a safe and enjoyable time for you and your families. To our clients, we also thank you for your continued custom
Protecting Survey Marks
26 November 2018
Most people recognize the white painted wooden survey pegs which mark the boundaries of properties. These are the visible markers that are placed by Licensed Surveyors. In addition, Surveyors place a number of other marks, which are often not so visible.
Business Development Manager appointed
13 October 2018
This month we are pleased to announce the employment of a Business Development Manager. Mark Hatten joined us in this key role, as part of a restructuring of our management team. Mark is a licensed Surveyor who graduated from Otago University in 1994.
Close off date for submissions
20 September 2018
By the time this article is published, there will remain only two weeks for submissions to be made to the Proposed Waikato District Plan. The Proposed plan can be read online at https://www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/your-council/plans-policies-and-bylaws/pl
New Subdivision opportunities in Waikato District
17 August 2018
The Proposed Waikato District Plan 2018 (Stage 1) was notified on Wednesday 18 July 2018. Currently, properties in the Rural parts of the Waikato District which were previously part of the Franklin District are governed by the Franklin District Plan rules
Plan Changes for Waikato District
17 July 2018
The Proposed Waikato District Plan 2018 (Stage 1) was notified on Wednesday 18 July 2018. This document is the first to amalgamate the Franklin District Plan and Waikato District Plan into a single planning document. Previously one needed to refer to the
How Surveyors use drones
17 May 2018
The survey profession have utilized aerial photography for many years to obtain high quality up to date images of sites, and to also use photogrammetric techniques to derive good quality contour maps. This is achieved by the use of overlapping images take
Use of drones
09 April 2018
Drones have been in the press again lately, with operators flying contrary to the Civil Aviation rules, and creating havoc for commercial airliners. You must comply with the rules unless you are otherwise permitted by CAA.
Private plan changes
09 March 2018
Any person or group of people can initiate a request for a plan change and present this to their local Council for consideration. There are a number of issues that Council need to consider when deciding whether to allow a plan change to proceed.
2018 Updates
09 January 2018
Enquiry levels have started quite high which is not uncommon for this time of the year. This year will see the continuation of some major projects throughout the Franklin area, and as a result of last years developments, a high level of building going on
Xmas wishes
19 December 2017
Our offices will be closed from midday on Thursday 21st December 2017 and reopening on Monday 8th January 2018. My best wishes to you for a healthy, prosperous and happy 2018.
New Auckland Property values
28 November 2017
Property owners will have watched with interest as the new Auckland property valuations became available last week. As reported elsewhere these showed a wide variation in valuation increases across the region. The variations reflect recent sales
Plan Changes - how they affect you
17 October 2017
This article gives you information on how Plan Changes can affect you and what you can do about it. The rules in the plan restrict your rights to use your land the way you want, and therefore any changes can potentially affect you.
Plan Changes
27 September 2017
What is a plan change and does it really affect you? 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.
New office in Hamilton
25 August 2017
August has heralded a new chapter for Birch Surveyors with the opening of an office in Hamilton. We are fortunate to have employed an experienced Licensed Cadastral Surveyor, Angina Lal to manage this office, and we are centrally located in Garden Place.
High Rise Apartment living in Pukekohe
20 July 2017
The opportunity for 16 metre high apartment blocks with up to five, six or seven stories adjacent to the centre of Pukekohe has been provided for in the Auckland Council Unitary Plan
Introducing new staff
29 June 2017
This month we are pleased to announce the employment of two new staff in Pukekohe, both of whom started on the same day, Tessa Rhodes and Sky Hang.
Landuse Consents
25 May 2017
Although my articles have often focused on Surveying issues, a significant component of the work we undertake for clients, is in the preparation of Landuse applications.
Robots in surveying.
27 April 2017
With the rapid advancements in technology over the last 50 years, the Surveyors toolkit has greatly expanded. Traditional methods of land measurement involved the use of theodolites to determine angles and tapes and chains to measure distances, and these
Business disruptions in Pukekohe
28 March 2017
Over the last couple of months Wesley Street has been subject to a major reconstruction programme. Initially the Northern lane of the Road was closed to traffic, and now that that has been completed, the Southern lane is closed to traffic.
Exciting times.
23 February 2017
Here we are and it is almost the end of February. What happened to the first 2 months of the year. We started with a blazing inferno on the adjoining property which threatened to take out our office. Thank goodness it didnt, thanks to the quick work of t
Seasons Greetings
29 December 2016
To all our friends, family, clients and colleagues, we wish you all the very best for the Christmas and New Year festive season, and hope this will be a safe and enjoyable time for you and your families.
2016 staff updates
29 November 2016
We are very pleased to announce the fulltime employment of Christine Huang who has just completed a Bachelor of Urban Planning (Hons) at Auckland University. Christine provides planning advice to clients and prepares resource consents for our offices.
LIM reports
27 October 2016
Any person involved in the sale and purchase of property, and that includes many people at some time or rather, will be aware of Land Information Memorandums (LIMs). This is a record produced by the Council of relevant information that they hold on the p
2016 staff updates
29 September 2016
2016 has already been a frantic year for Birch Surveyors, with the establishment of an office in Penrose, and a move to a larger office in Tauranga, along with the employment of additional staff in the early part of the year. We are currently expanding th
What does the Unitary Plan mean to you
30 August 2016
Since May 2013, I have published various articles on the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (commonly called the PAUP), as it was developed by the Auckland Council, and went through consultation, submissions, hearings, and now finally decisions. And by the ti
More on drones
28 July 2016
In my May article, (which can be read at http://www.birchsurveyors.co.nz/articles/ ) I discussed the increasing of drones in a number of industries, including aerial mapping and surveying. The article identified some of the issues ...
Whats happening outside Auckland
30 June 2016
With all the changes going on with the Auckland Plan, and all the media attention on affordability of housing in Auckland, it is easy to overlook what is happening outside of Auckland. The overflow from demand in Auckland is creating pressure in the Bay
Drones?
24 May 2016
I am sure many readers are now familiar with drones. It is a term commonly used in place of more technical industry terms like: UAV (unmanned Aerial Vehicle), UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) and RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems).
Auckland Office
28 April 2016
Commencing 2nd May, we are pleased to announce that we will have an office in Penrose Auckland. This office provides a more convenient location for a growing Auckland client base and a handier office for a number of staff who reside in Auckland central lo
2016 March updates
31 March 2016
The start of 2016 has seen two new surveyors commencing employment in our Tauranga office. Both staff are Licensed Surveyors bringing new ideas and enthusiasm to the Company. With the additional staff, we were almost sharing desks so are in the process of
Time is running out!
25 February 2016
The independent hearing panel for the Auckland Unitary Plan started hearing submissions early this year and will continue for the next few months before making their final recommendations to Council later this year.
2016 Jan updates
28 January 2016
We have lots of exciting projects planned for 2016. Pre and post Christmas brought new Planners and Surveyors into the team for both Pukekohe and Tauranga, and we will be looking for additional premises to accommodate staff from Auckland through to Tauran
Protecting Survey Marks
17 November 2015
Most people recognize the white painted wooden survey pegs which mark the boundaries of properties. These are the visible markers that are placed by Licensed Surveyors. In addition Surveyors place a number of other marks, which are often not so visible.
Future Urban Zone
20 October 2015
The Future Urban Zone contained in the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan is a corridor of land encompassing the NorthWestern and SouthEastern areas of Pukekohe and to the North including Paerata, Wesley College and through to the Pukekohe Golf Club....
Surveyors Toolkit
15 September 2015
With the rapid advancements in technology over the last 50 years, the Surveyors toolkit has greatly expanded. Traditional methods of land measurement involved the use of theodolites to determine angles and tapes and chains to measure distances ...
Auckland Unitary Plan hearings
18 August 2015
The Unitary Plan Hearings Committee of Auckland Council is now well into its scheduled evidence exchange and hearings. These hearings are to consider the vast array of submissions that were received to the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan.
Staff changes
21 July 2015
With the economy and particularly the Real Estate market in Auckland kicking along strongly at the moment, the demand for consultant services, such as Surveying remains very strong
New planner appointed
16 June 2015
We are pleased to announce the employment of a senior planner to supplement our existing staff.
Help with your planning applications
22 May 2015
A significant component of the work Birch Surveyors undertake for clients, is in the preparation of planning applications. There are a number of different types of applications that can be required under the Resource Management Act.
2015 updates
16 April 2015
2015 has started with some lovely Summer weather which has been very helpful to land developers as well as the general public. There are many signs of developments occurring around the Districts suggesting a high level of confidence in property markets.
Land Use Capability reports
16 March 2015
What are LUCs and when do we need them? Found out about Land use Capability reports and the role they play in assessing the potential effects of Rural Subdivision on the versatility and capability of production from rural land.
Surveying Careers
16 February 2015
This article discusses the alternatives for studying for a career in surveying. Either through the Survey School in Otago or through an Open Polytech.
Boundary disputes
20 January 2015
The level of enquiry in the New Year has been high with a lot of issues about boundary disputes. This is not uncommon over holiday periods, when homeowners use the opportunity to build or repair boundary fences, or undertake additions to buildings.
Seasons Greetings
23 December 2014
Firstly, 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
Building capacity
25 November 2014
Further to our announcements in August advising of two additional Surveyors for our Pukekohe office, we are pleased to advise of additional staffing in Tauranga and enhancements to our Engineering capacity in Pukekohe. At the beginning of October ....
GPS surveys
22 October 2014
GPS (Global Positioning System) technology is now in common usage for Surveyors. In simple terms GPS equipment uses man made satellites orbiting the earth to calculate a position on earth. The accuracy being a function of the number of satellites
Unit titles
23 September 2014
Most people have heard of freehold titles and crosslease titles. A less common form of land ownership is Unit titles. The provision for Unit titles is contained in the Unit Titles Act 2010
Staff changes
19 August 2014
The continued growth of the Auckland area and the pressure this is placing on development in the Franklin area is creating high demand for subdivisions. To assist in meeting this demand we are pleased to advise the engagement of two additional Surveyors
Crosslease conversions
22 July 2014
Although Crosslease titles are seldom created these days, it is becoming popular to convert crosslease titles to freehold titles. There are a number of reasons why this is being done.
Further Submissions to Auckland Unitary Plan
17 June 2014
Auckland Council have now released a Summary of Submissions to the Unitary Plan. If you are one of the more than 9400 individuals or organizations who made submissions, then you will have been advised on this update.
Limited as to parcels
20 May 2014
Every once in a while we are requested to provide advice on the implications of a title being tagged as Limited as to Parcels. This usually relates to a proposed purchase of a property. We also regularly deal with this situation when undertaking surveys
Terminology
22 April 2014
Those involved in the process of Land Surveying, Land subdivision and particularly the Resource Management Act use a number of terms, phrases and acronyms which are peculiar to those processes. This article explains the use of some common terms.
Auckland plan places constraints on development
18 March 2014
The Auckland Unitary plan proposed some significant areas for urban development between Drury and the Southern boundary of Auckland. Some of these are being fast tracked by way of Special Housing Area provisions. Potentially however the development areas
Protection of Survey marks
21 February 2014
Wooden boundary pegs, traverse marks, and Control survey marks are all considered to be Survey marks and it an offence to remove these ....
Looking forward to 2014
15 January 2014
There is no doubt that 2014 will continue in the vein of recent years with continual changes. Change is a fact of life - Winston Churchill said There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction"
Xmas message
15 December 2013
From the Staff, Shareholders and Directors of Birch Surveyors Ltd, Seasons Greetings to all our friends, family, clients and colleagues.
Special Housing Areas
19 November 2013
Special housing areas will create an accelerated approval process resulting in more sections being available in shorter time frames.
Proposed Unitary Plan has been notified
15 October 2013
Auckland Council have now released their Proposed Unitary Plan. Once the statutory process is completed (likely to be 3 years), this document will become the primary Planning document guiding the use and development of land across the whole of Auckland ..
Company Day Out
10 September 2013
Last Friday, I decided it was time for the team to have an early Spring day off, and to get together for some fun and good food. Our apologies to anyone trying to contact us on that day! Read about our day out
Further RMA reforms
16 August 2013
As part of the ongoing reforms to the Resource Management Act, the Government recently announced some proposed 2013 changes to the Act. Read on to learn about what is changing..
Where have all the Surveyors gone?
16 July 2013
Where have all the Surveyors gone?? Since the start of the year we have been recruiting additional Surveying Staff both nationally through our Institutes Website and through our own website, as well as through sites such as Seek.
Unitary Plan for Auckland update
15 May 2013
As reported in February, Auckland Council released a draft Unitary Plan for discussion purposes in March of this year. [For background information see my February article at www.birchsurveyors.co.nz/articles/auckland-council-unitary-plan.html]
Oxfam Trailwalker Completed
19 April 2013
Carl, Kelly, Tim & Brett of Birch Surveyors organized a team, raised funds, trained hard, and competed over the weekend of 6th and 7th April, along with 293 other teams (making it the largest event so far), and finished in 29 hours 05 mins 44 secs.
Improving our Resource Management System
18 March 2013
The Government has recently released a discussion document entitled Improving our resource management system. This article provides links to that document..
Auckland Council Unitary Plan
18 February 2013
Auckland Council is due to release their first draft Unitary Plan by the end of March 2013. This document will, once adopted, replace all zoning and planning controls for Auckland
Bereavement of John William Maggs
17 January 2013
It is with much sadness that I advise that our friend and colleague, John William Maggs passed away suddenly on 27th December 2012. John was the Survey Manager at Birch Surveyors since 2004 and would have had contact with many landowners over the
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
2011 in brief
20 December 2011
The final article for 2011 which summarizes key events for the staff and introduces some developments proposed for 2012.
Purchasing titles
22 November 2011
Plan Change 14 (The Rural Plan change) provided for Transferable Development Rights and an active market has developed for the sale and purchase of titles, with Council now approving appropriate transfers of subdivision rights.
Draft Auckland Plan
18 October 2011
The Draft Auckland Plan is a document released by Auckland Council and planned to be adopted by Council in February 2012. It sets out Auckland Councils vision on how the region will grow and develop over the next 30 years. Its importance is that it will
Quality Processes
20 September 2011
The recent debacle with the Auckland trains made me think about how companies avert disasters from occurring. Generally it is a case of having rigorous and tested systems in place, and ensuring that these are observed. And then having a system .......
Understanding GPS surveys
23 August 2011
A recent article mentioned that GPS (Global Positioning System) technology is now in common usage for Surveyors. In simple terms GPS equipment uses man made satellites orbiting the earth to calculate a position on earth.
Surveyors access to properties
19 July 2011
When undertaking surveys which involve re-establishing old survey marks, it is quite common for Surveyors to require access onto neighbours properties. This is because surveys involve a network of survey marks which are linked together, and these marks
Protection of Survey Marks
21 June 2011
Most people recognize the white painted wooden survey pegs which mark the boundaries of properties. These are the visible markers that are placed by Licensed Surveyors. In addition Surveyors place a number of other marks, which are often not so visible.
How is Auckland Council doing
21 April 2011
It is now almost 6 months since the establishment of the Auckland Council. We can be thankful that sense prevailed, and we have retained a Pukekohe office of the Council, and many of the services available have been retained, along with many of the staff.
Surveying after an earthquake
20 March 2011
The Christchurch Earthquake has far reaching effects, and it is difficult to fathom the extent of these effects. At this time, members of the Institute of Surveyors, and also mindful of the effects on their colleagues in Christchurch, and our sympathy and
Transferable development rights
20 February 2011
Plan Change 14 (The Rural Plan change) provided for Transferable Development Rights. These have been discussed in previous articles, but with progress towards resolving appeals on the plan change, Council have become more accepting of such forms of
Whats happening in 2011
20 January 2011
New Year is always a time for reflection on the past year and planning for the new year. In our industry, decisions made by our Local Councils can have more effect on opportunities for our clients than the level of confidence in the economy.
How was 2010?
20 December 2010
2010 has been a year of change, both for the community and for us at Birch Surveyors Ltd. Clearly the most significant change has been the amalgamation of the local authorities into one Auckland Council, and the amalgamation of parts of the former Frankli
Surveying terminology
23 November 2010
Read about some of the common terms used in Surveying and Land subdivision. Look at our terminology page for a more comprehensive explanation of various terms.
What property rights do we have
10 August 2010
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. Read more
Mediation during Environment Court appeals
05 April 2010
Parties to Resource Management applications (subdivisions or landuses) and District Plan changes can lodge appeals with the Environment Court where they do not accept the decision of the Local Council. Read about mediation during these appeals.....