Hamish Wesney celebrates 20 years

Hamish is a trusted leader in the Boffa Miskell's planning discipline, and the wider company. He has led the consenting for a wide range of projects, with quality outcomes and multiple industry awards.

Hamish joined Boffa Miskell as a senior planner, following three years as a resource management planner with the Horowhenua District Council.

“Right out of University, Hamish gained local authority experience and was able to obtain wide exposure to the many facets of planning by working at a small Council, in a growing district,” says partner Robert Schofield, FNZPI. “That broad council experience served Hamish well when he joined Boffa Miskell, and he continues to have a long-term valued relationship with Horowhenua District Council.”

Hamish joined Boffa Miskell after the company obtained the planning work on the proposed Wairarapa Combined District Plan in mid-2004. Hamish rapidly became critical to the process of developing New Zealand’s first Combined District Plan and built a strong relationship with the Wairarapa Councils in the process. 

“In growing that relationship, early on in the project, I quietly let the Council staff know that it was Hamish’s birthday on the day of a big Combined Council meeting,” Robert recalls. “So, the staff organised a birthday cake, and at morning tea he had everyone – Mayors and Councillors too – sing him happy birthday!”

Two decades later, Hamish is now managing the review of the Combined Plan and the team of people involved, internal and external, including the Hearing Panel. 

Known for his thoughtful approach, Hamish’s calm demeanour and broad experience quickly wins the trust and confidence of clients and others who have dealings with him, as does his straightforward professional manner and an enormous memory for detail and history.

“Hamish is an example of what a good planner should be – he thinks deeply about the issues that are in front of him, is measured and authentic in his responses, and communicates clearly and with empathy,” says Wellington-based planner Andrew Banks.

In 2023, Hamish received a Distinguished Service Award from the New Zealand Planning Institute in recognition of his significant contribution over many years to the image and practice of planning; and he has advanced the theory and practice of planning in New Zealand through his leadership in policy, plan development for several district and regional councils.

Hamish has led six full District Plan reviews for district councils, and a significant number of plan changes, addressing a broad range of issues and challenges. His leadership in several award-winning planning projects and many ‘firsts’ in the planning industry, include a lead role in the first-ever combined District Plan (Wairarapa’s Combined District Plan); and leading New Zealand’s first-ever digital District Plan, and first district plan to implement the National Planning Standards (New Plymouth’s Proposed District Plan).

“Hamish has been a mentor to me and many other planners throughout the company,” says Charles Horrell. “He provides opportunities for planners to grow by allowing them to lead, while continuing to provide support as and when required. He’s very approachable and someone you can go to for transparent and clear advice.”

“Hamish takes the time and patience with people to build their confidence as well as their skills. Nothing phases him or makes him panic, no matter how major or dramatic,” says Erica Wheatley.

Within Boffa Miskell, Hamish served as Managing Principal for the Wellington office for several years. He became a Partner in 2019 and was elected as one of the company shareholder directors in 2023.

"He’s well-respected, not just for his technical expertise but for his reliability and integrity," says Charles Horrell. "Hamish inspires others by ‘breaking the mould’ of what a leader is by demonstrating that quiet achievers can be equally as effective and successful."

"He has developed a culture that is supportive, open to testing and challenging ideas, pursuing excellence and taking pride in our work, and being a trusted advisor to our clients," says Andrew Banks. "He is also just a genuinely lovely person to be around, and he is part of what makes Boffa Miskell a great place to work."