Barry Johnson isn't just the Environmental Policy Manager at Tasman District Council – he's an architect of sustainable, thriving communities. With a depth of experience spanning 30+ years in local and central governments, Barry guides the development of innovative policies that protect Tasman's stunning environments while fostering healthy, engaging places for our growing population to call home.

“Our vision for Tasman is one that is prosperous, resilient and vibrant future.”

Kathie is responsible for strategic advice across legislative, policy and planning matters and strengthening partnerships with ngā iwi on priority policy matters. She is leading the implementation of Council’s Science and Information Strategy to enable future policies to be supported by Mātauranga, essential scientific and technical information.

“It is with strategic, collaborative, and innovative planning we can achieve enduring positive outcomes for Council, iwi, community, and stakeholders.”

Lisa is responsible for the freshwater portfolio and leads the natural resources team working with air, land, freshwater and coastal parts of the regional plan. She has worked in natural resource management for over 20 years and has a masters degree in environmental science.

“I’ve been a water-baby all my life and I’m very passionate about the health of our streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands. There’s nothing better than a refreshing splash in one of our stunning rivers on a hot summer day.”

Jeremy leads the Urban and Rural Team responsible for the policies and rules for our towns and local centres, rural areas, natural landscapes, cultural sites and more. He is currently leading the Richmond on the Rise project.

“I enjoy the people-side of planning and working to support more and better housing. Lifting the vibrancy and diversity of our towns and villages is a must as is balancing community resilience with growth is an ongoing and engaging challenge.”

Diana is responsible for the natural hazards, climate change and air quality portfolios.

“I have over 20 years planning experience working for local govt in Aotearoa and Scotland. My planning portfolios cover some of the big issues in our district and I look forward to working with our community on these challenging topics. We need to respond and adapt to our changing climate and ensure that the decisions we make today enable longer-term community resilience.”

Myaan is responsible for rural areas, energy, infrastructure, reserves, and public access portfolios.

“I’m passionate about the development and management of cities, and the way in which they can influence people’s wellbeing and places. I’m excited by future opportunities to engage with our community and take that conversation into Tasman’s plans and strategies. And living here has the bonus of being able to explore beautiful beaches and towns and go tramping.”

Mary is part of the urban and rural planning team.

“Over the last 15-years, my work with Tasman District Council has involved refining the planning framework for the rural areas of the district and planning for the growth and urban development of our towns and centres. The Tasman Environment Plan will refresh and update the framework for the towns and centres in our district for the future."

Tania is responsible for a number of portfolios covering activities, discharges, infrastructure, aquaculture and biodiversity within the coastal marine area.

Tania has worked as a coastal planner for a number of decades first in Marlborough and more recently in Tasman, making great use of her BSc and Masters in Planning.

“The coastal environment is dynamic, wildly beautiful and an amazing place. I really enjoy the complex challenges of coastal planning”.

Jacqui is the TDC Urban Growth Co-Ordinator providing expertise on strategic planning for Tasman’s changing population needs.

“I am especially proud of the whole of community engagement that informed the Nelson Tasman Future Development Strategy 2022- 52(FDS). The FDS will help shape decisions to support a region proud of its environmental record, innovative thinking, vibrant economy, and resilience.”

Charlotte is responsible for the land disturbance/earthworks portfolio, including forestry, contaminated soils, and hazardous substances. She draws on 25 years’ experience in social science research, environmental management, and cross-cultural communication. And holds a PhD and an honors degree in Resource and Environmental Planning.

“As a fly fisher, tramper and woodworker, I have a passion for our backcountry rivers and an appreciation for the intrinsic and utilitarian values of our forests.”

Narissa in her role as Environmental Policy Administrator looks after the resource management plans and plan processes ensuring that statutory processes are followed and provides support to the Environmental Policy team.

“Tasman is a great place live and work. We are surrounded by a stunning natural environment, it’s amazing to be able to contribute to this area positively, to look after it for the benefit of ourselves and for future generations.”

Anna is a principal planner in Tasman’s urban policy team. Anna has over 20 years' experience working as a planner in private and public sectors in NZ and internationally.

‘Since 2020, I have been involved in a range of township plan changes to provide for growth in Tasman and projects relating to protecting Tasman’s incredible landscapes and coastal environment. I enjoy working with our community in the development of masterplans and policy that protect Tasman’s specials places’.

Anette is responsible for ensuring programme costs, scope, and quality of individual plan changes stay within agreed parameters, risks are managed and that anticipated benefits are achieved.

“I have the opportunity to combine postgraduate qualifications in science and resource planning, work experience in agricultural research, policy development, and project management with my passion for the natural environment to enable sustainable management of Tasman’s unrivalled natural resources.”

Erin works as a policy planner for freshwater within the Natural Resources Team. She has Master's in Resource Management Planning.

“Working as a freshwater planner with our iwi partners and the community to improve policy outcomes for the lakes, rivers, wetlands, and springs of our region what I love. I grew up on a farm in the Rainy River, went to school at Tapawera and now live in Pohara so I really enjoy connecting with people and places throughout Tasman.”

Jenny supports the Environmental Planning Team in her role as a GIS Analyst. She creates, analyses, and displays the districts spatial data which assists the planners with their decision making.

‘Tasman is such a beautiful place to live and play in and being a local girl, I know the district well. I really enjoy combining this knowledge with the powers of GIS to assist in building sustainable environments and thriving communities. One picture can say 1000 words!

Paula is a Policy Planner for Natural Resources and joined the team from the Ministry for the Environment where she worked as a Senior Analyst with the Office of the Chief Freshwater Commissioner and Regional Councils.

“I look forward to engaging with our community to address the increasing environmental challenges we now face. Tasman is known for its smart thinking and community spirit and in the work I do that, is a great advantage.”

In her role as a Policy Planning Officer, Michelle assists the team with their various work programmes. She has recently graduated with a Masters' in Environmental Management.