Our Team

Since obtaining a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Hons) in 2012, Daniel has worked as a town planner in Australia and New Zealand, with positions at the City of Port Adelaide Enfield and Auckland Council.

Daniel has over 12 years experience with statutory planning and has mostly recently served in a Principal Planner role in local government. He is a Full Member of the New Zealand Planning Institute and has hearings commissioner accreditation.

He is one of New Zealand’s most experienced planners with Auckland City Centre development, with an intimate knowledge of the nuances of the downtown area and its many precincts.

Daniel has a keen eye for detail and takes pride in ensuring that all work is done properly the first time. Outside of work, Daniel loves to travel, see the world, and go to the cinema.

Location: Auckland
Mobile: +64 22 091 7233

Since obtaining a Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning (Hons) in 2014, Kathleen has worked as a Resource Management Planner in both the public sector and private sector, with positions at Auckland Council, Whangarei District Council, Thomas Consultants Limited and most recently CoLab Planning.

Kathleen has experience in the preparation and processing of resource consents of varied complexities, from simple residential land use, commercial developments, and notified rural subdivisions.

Kathleen is an Intermediate member of the New Zealand Planning Institute and is working towards full membership.

Outside of work Kathleen is busy with tennis, hockey, squash, running and anything else that wears the soles off sports shoes!

Location: Auckland
Mobile: +64 21 025 08269

Andrew entered the world of planning in 2015 after completing a Bachelor of Planning (Hons) at the University of Auckland.

Andrew began employment with Auckland Council and climbed the ranks to a Senior Planner. During that time, he was involved in a variety of urban intensification and infrastructure projects, as well as working on the Hauraki Gulf Islands. He spent a year as planning consultant with Barker and Associates and was involved in several large-scale resource consenting projects. He is presently an Intermediate Member of the New Zealand Planning Institute and is working towards full membership.

Extramurally, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and wider family, travelling, and sweating it out on the squash court.

Location: Auckland
Mobile: +64 21 023 19245

Sandy graduated with a Bachelor of Planning (Hons) in 2014 and has worked as a Resource Management Planner in both the public and private sector, including Auckland Council and Civix Limited.

Sandy has extensive experience with RMA processes, including notified applications, hearings and Private Plan Changes.

Her expert interests include urban residential and mixed-use development, having been involved with a number of high-profile development proposals over the course of her career.

Outside of work, Sandy enjoys good food, travel, entertaining TV, cuddling her son and going for walks.

Location: Auckland
Mobile: +64 22 170 0688

Jonathan graduated with a Masters in Planning (MPlan) from the University of Sheffield and followed this with 4 years of statutory planning in the UK. Jonathan now has over ten years’ experience working as a planner in both the UK and New Zealand, most recently at Christchurch Council as a Team Leader.

He has substantial experience in the processing a range of resource consent applications for Councils including subdivision, land use and regional consents, as well as reviewing and determining resource consent applications.

Outside of planning, Jonathan loves all things cycling/mountain biking, tramping and travelling.

Location: Christchurch
Mobile: +64 22 107 7629

Rachael graduated with a Bachelor of Planning (Hons) in 2014 and has worked as a Resource Management Planner in both the public and private sector, including overseas experience in Toronto, Canada.

Rachael has over 10 years’ experience with interpreting different district plans, preparing due diligence reports for clients, obtaining approvals, leading projects, processing complex City Centre consents and project management.

Rachael has experience in notified applications, including preparing Environment Court evidence.

Outside of work, Rachael enjoys spending time with her family and working on her side hustle, designing wine cellars!

Location: Auckland
Mobile: +64 27 556 6987

Mark Charlesworth boasts an impressive 15-year career in statutory planning. Starting with roles at the North Shore City Council and Auckland Council, he has flourished in the private sector as a Senior Planner at Positive Planning Limited before joining CoLab in 2023.

His experience is extensive, covering the assessment of varied resource consent applications, preparation of planning affidavits, and due diligence assessments for potential site purchases.

Mark has designed, consented, funded, and built his own development, equipping him with firsthand knowledge of the challenges and rewards of property development. This makes Mark invaluable in understanding and advising on our clients' projects.

Location: Auckland
Mobile: +64 21 040 5817

Beginning his planning journey with a Masters of Planning Practice from Auckland University in 2013, Ben brings a decade of statutory planning experience to our team. His diverse career within Auckland Council included roles as an Intermediate and Senior Planner, to Team Leader.

Ben's expertise extends across reviewing and determining resource consent applications, serving as an expert witness, and training team members in digital resource consent processes. As a Planner with CoLab Planning since 2023, Ben continues to apply his planning and management skills.

Now residing in Oregon, USA, with his family, Ben enjoys outdoor adventures and family camping trips.

Location: Remote

Steven Ang is the linchpin of CoLab's operations, serving as our Accounts and Operations Lead. With his meticulous attention to detail and a knack for streamlining processes, Steven ensures that our wheels keep turning smoothly. He's the mastermind behind our administrative efficiency, handling billing, invoicing, and project initiation. If you've ever marvelled at the seamlessness of your interaction with CoLab, you've got Steven to thank.

But Steven isn't just about numbers and spreadsheets. When he's not busy making CoLab a better place, he's off exploring the world's hidden culinary gems or spending quality time with his family. Whether he's traversing new terrains or simply enjoying the comfort of his home with his newborn and four lovable dogs, Steven knows how to live life to the fullest.

Location: Remote