Conservation law

Conservation law is not only relevant to the protection of New Zealand's environment and conservation resources, but is critical to our industries such as tourism, skiing, farming, mining, fishing, aquaculture, roading and other infrastructure.

We have a leading specialist legal practice in New Zealand’s conservation and biodiversity laws, and advise central and local government and private entities on a wide range of issues arising under conservation legislation.

Over one-third of New Zealand's land area is administered by the Department of Conservation.  Paul Beverley who leads our conservation team was formerly a senior lawyer at the Department of Conservation and is a leading specialist in conservation law.  He has a particular specialty in concessions and advises a range of clients on the Department of Conservation concession process.  Paul is also a leading adviser on issues relating to reserves and the Reserves Act 1977.  Paul was appointed by the Ministers of Conservation and Fisheries to Chair the Subantarctic Marine Protection Planning Forum (which has resulted in three new marine reserves in that area).

We advise on processes under conservation legislation including the Conservation Act, National Parks Act, Reserves Act, Resource Management Act, Crown Minerals Act (access arrangements), Marine Reserves Act, Wildlife Act and Marine Mammals Protection Act.