There have been a number of new appointments to City Development’s Advisory Services Team over the past few months, and the team is now fully staffed.

Advisory Services provides heritage, urban design and biodiversity expertise as part of DCC’s resource management planning functions and also look after grant funding and advocacy in these area.

Mark Mawdsley has been appointed to lead the Advisory Services Team. Mark, who initially joined DCC as Heritage Advisor in 2021, brings experience in both architectural practice and heritage conservation.

Our new Biodiversity Advisor, Zoe Lunniss, joined the Advisory Services team in July this year. Zoe, who completed her Masters in Botany at University of Otago, has returned to Dunedin after working in Waikato on DoC wetland restoration initiatives. Zoe’s botanical expertise will be invaluable as Council plans to implement large scale biodiversity initiatives as required by the new National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity, which is expected to be released later this month.

Heather Bauchop joined the Advisory Services Team as Heritage Advisor in September and works alongside Mark. Heather, a familiar face to the Dunedin heritage community, has extensive experience in the research and management of historic places across Otago and Southland. The Advisory Services Team will benefit from her previous experience in both local government and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.

Maria Callaú has joined as DCC’s third urban designer, working alongside Peter Christos and Luke McKinlay. Maria, studied architecture and urban planning in Argentina and brings practical knowledge and experience with building design including sustainable architecture, retrofit upgrades and community focused residential development.

Together, these appointments will increase DCC’s capability and capacity to support our community to preserve and enhance our built and natural environment and deliver high quality housing and commercial development that meets our community’s needs into the future.

For further information, contact Mark Mawdsley on 03 477 4000.