Environmental law and Resource Management Act

Overview

We have one of New Zealand's leading resource management and environmental law practices with specialist teams in each of our three offices.

Our lawyers are specialists in all aspects of resource management and environmental law and we advise clients on the full spectrum of Resource Management Act processes ranging from large infrastructure projects to national and local policy development. Our practice includes conservation and Māori law, as well as advising on central and local government processes.

Our team is known for its "can do" attitude and ability to work effectively with clients, their consultants and collaboratively with the community.

Fast-track consenting expertise

We have extensive experience in previous fast-track consenting processes under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 and the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 fast-track processes. We have not only acted for several applicants on their fast-track applications but have also been Panel Chairs for several fast-track applications.

For more information on our fast-track expertise, download our credentials. Our team has been following the development of this new legislation and its likely implications. We are advising a number of clients who have sought projects to be listed for fast-track consenting. This enables us to effectively support clients with their proposed fast-track projects.

DOWNLOAD OUR FAST-TRACK CONSENTING CREDENTIALS HERE

"Operating across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, Buddle Findlay’s 20-strong practice ‘takes a supportive, collaborative approach to projects’, and is particularly recommended for its conservation and resource management work."

Legal 500

"They are principled and academically strong, but also give commercially smart advice that reflects a good understanding of the law and our company's needs."

Chambers and Partners

"They're helpful without being overbearing, and provide timely, appropriate advice without being smug."

Chambers and Partners

Te Tupu Ngātahi (Supporting Growth) won the Core Values Award for Planning at the IAP2 Australasia conference in Sydney.
Te Tupu Ngātahi received the Projects Award at the RMLA awards in 2023 and was a finalist for the International Award for Planning Excellence at the Royal Town Planning Institute Awards in London.

Experience

Sector / Expertise

Work highlights

Advising the Crown

on its 'All of Government' submission (on behalf of 22 government departments and agencies) on the proposed Christchurch Replacement District Plan

Advising Auckland Council

on the hearings of its Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan

Advising the NZ Transport Agency

on numerous roading designation and consenting projects including: the designation of State Highway 20B in Manukau, Auckland; the widening of SH16 (North West Motorway); the East/West Connection Project; the Rangiriri Section of the Waikato Expressway; the Peke Peka to North Ōtaki and North Ōtaki to North Levin sections of the Wellington Northern Corridor Roads of National Significance; the Petone to Grenda project; the Wellington Petone to Ngauranga cycleway project; Russley Road widening and interchange and Northern Arterial and QE2 four laning (part of the Christchurch Motorways Roads of National Significance and the Caversham road widening project in Dunedin

Advising Boards of Inquiry

in respect of the Tukituki Catchment proposal (dam and irrigation project), Ruakura Development Plan Change Request (inland port and commercial/industrial hub), and New Zealand King Salmon proposal (including appearing before the Supreme Court)

Advising Contact Energy

on the successful consenting of the Waitahora and Hauāuru mā raki wind farms; the Te Mihi and Tauhara 2 geothermal power stations; the Stratford thermal peaker stations; the reconsenting of the Clutha River hydro-electricity scheme (the Clyde and Roxburgh dams, and Lake Hawea Control Gates); the reconsenting of the Wairakei, Pohipi and Ohaakai geothermal power stations; and changes to consent conditions and lapse periods for the Otahuhu Thermal power stations

Advising Central Plains Water and the Central Plains Water Trust

on the establishment of what will be New Zealand’s largest irrigation scheme, including advising on significant resource consent and designation processes, and appearing in appeals to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court

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