Shannon Richardson is a Project Director and Technical Director – Planning at Tonkin & Taylor Ltd.

A Technical Director within the Planning team with over 20 years’ experience, he has held planning and resource management roles in local, regional and central government and consultancy in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He is a certified Resource Management Act (RMA) Hearings Commissioner, and a full member of the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) and the Resource Management Law Association (RMLA).  

Specializing in the management of consenting for large infrastructure projects, Shannon has a proven ability to proactively manage RMA consent acquisition processes within tight timeframes, using flexible and innovative solutions. In particular, he has managed consenting and consultation processes on major projects for Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, Earthquake Commission, HNZC / HLC, KiwiRail, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education, New Zealand Transport Agency, Transpower, Vector and Watercare.

His depth of experience has given him an invaluable understanding of the key challenges and constraints to delivering the RMA planning components of major infrastructure and land development projects. Shannon has vast experience in all aspects of consenting, spanning from regularly working with Local Boards and Council Committees, to preparing advice notes for Government Ministers.

Shannon has a naturally collaborative style and is skilled in consultation with key stakeholders. He has a proven track record on projects where consultation with affected parties has been a key factor in their success. Shannon maintains a clear client focus and has a reputation for establishing solid working relationships with many of T+T’s key clients, often operating in a trusted advisor role.