Overview
We help clients succeed in a complex environment
We are seen as a leader in local government law in New Zealand.
We understand that our clients are required to operate and demonstrate accountability in a complex political, financial and regulatory environment.
There is a growing need to:
- Manage the pressure of growth
- Pivot to meet sector reform and address risks early
- Get ahead of regional issues
- Reduce the risk of reputational damage.
Our superior technical legal skills support clients to successfully perform core functions that are required in this environment.
We help clients to create resilient communities, liveable cities, healthy environments and have prosperous economies.
We’re proven advisers in local government
We are principal legal adviser to the following councils:
- Christchurch City Council
- Selwyn District Council
- Hurunui District Council.
We are specialist advisers to a number of other local councils around New Zealand including:
- Auckland Council
- Tauranga City Council
- Nelson City Council
- Hutt City Council
- Waikato Regional Council
- Marlborough District Council
- South Waikato District Council.
We have provided project advice to other councils including Waitomo District Council, Matamata-Piako District Council and Taupō District Council.
We also advise local government entities including the Local Government Commission, and we advise the Department of Internal Affairs on local government policy issues.
Work highlights
RiverLink
We advised Greater Wellington Regional Council (flood protection and public transport through a new Melling train station), Hutt City Council (urban renewal of its CBD and integration with the new flood protection works), NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (a new Melling interchange and bridge over the Hutt River) and KiwiRail (realignment of train tracks and the existing designation) on the $700m plus RiverLink project. Our advice has covered all aspects of the project including governance and funding arrangements, planning (LTP) and contracts, consenting and designating, and land acquisition under both the Public Works Act and the Local Government Act.
Kāpiti Coast District Council - planning for coastal hazards
We advised Kāpiti Coast District Council on planning for coastal hazards. From 2016-2018 we acted for Kāpiti Coast District Council (KCDC) on declaratory proceedings arising from the coastal hazard management provisions of its Proposed District Plan (PDP) and have continued to advise KCDC since then on related issues.
Auckland Unitary Plan
We were the lead external adviser to Auckland Council on the Unitary Plan. This was the single largest planning process in New Zealand, and our role was to manage our allocated workstreams through the notification, submission, mediation, evidence preparation and hearing processes.
Christchurch City Council plan changes
We are advising and representing Christchurch City Council on its Housing and Business Choice Plan Change process, to give effect to the intensification requirements of the National Policy Statement (NPS) for Urban Development.
Tauranga City Council - Te Manawataki o Te Papa - Civic Precinct redevelopment
We assisted Tauranga City Council with its Te Manawataki o Te Papa - Civic Precinct redevelopment project. This included assisting the Tauranga City Council with its negotiations with the Otamataha Trust.
Horowhenua District Council
We advised Horowhenua District Council on numerous land development and intensification matters, including Environment Court direct referrals for the Shannon and Levin wastewater projects, the Levin town water supply, the Levin Landfill, and the Council's wastewater and trade waste bylaw reviews.
Our team
Daniel Kelleher
Partner, Auckland
Daniel has earned his reputation as a leading practitioner in the property sector by developing strong and lasting relationships with…
- DDI +64 9 358 7022
- M +64 21 618 535
David Allen
Partner, Wellington
David specialises in all aspects of resource management, environmental and natural resources law and local government law…
- DDI +64 4 462 0423
- M +64 21 955 744
David Randal
Partner, Wellington
David specialises in resource management, environmental and Māori law. …
- DDI +64 4 462 0450
- M +64 21 742 863
David Thomson
Partner, Auckland
David specialises in corporate and commercial law with considerable experience in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, governance,…
- DDI +64 9 363 0750
- M +64 21 668 593
Jennifer Caldwell
Partner, Auckland
National Chair
Jennifer specialises in resource management, environmental and local government law, with extensive experience as a strategic…
- DDI +64 9 358 7034
- M +64 21 624 162
John Buchan
Partner, Christchurch
John specialises in corporate and commercial law and in particular, commercial property. …
- DDI +64 3 371 3504
- M +64 21 900 124
Kelly Paterson
Partner, Christchurch
Kelly specialises in commercial litigation. …
- DDI +64 3 371 3547
- M +64 21 891 028
Lisette Hood
Partner, Auckland
Lisette specialises in corporate and commercial law, with particular emphasis on commercial contracting, corporate governance and merge…
Mark Odlin
Partner, Christchurch
Mark specialises in corporate and commercial law and advises on a range of financial, commercial and corporate law matters, including…
- DDI +64 3 371 3525
- M +64 21 753 769
Natasha Wilson
Partner, Wellington
Natasha has extensive experience in advising public sector bodies on decision-making processes, legislative design, governance…
- DDI +64 4 498 7344
- M +64 21 727 940
Paul Beverley
Partner, Wellington
Paul specialises in public law, Māori/Treaty of Waitangi law, Treaty settlements, conservation law and resource management law.…
Paula Ormandy
Partner, Auckland
Paula specialises in complex leasing, property development, and high-value portfolio acquisitions and disposals. …
- DDI +64 9 363 0790
- M +64 21 915 024
Susan Rowe
Partner, Christchurch
Susan specialises in litigation, local government, insurance, industrial relations and health and safety. Susan currently advises…
Thaddeus Ryan
Partner, Wellington
Thad specialises in resource management and Māori law. Thad has a particular specialty in RMA consenting and…
- DDI +64 4 498 7335
- M +64 21 840 457
Tom Bennett
Partner, Auckland
Tom specialises in real estate, construction, procurement and infrastructure projects…
- DDI +64 9 363 0665
- M +64 21 622 228
Tony Wilkinson
Partner, Auckland
Tony has a highly regarded practice acting for public and private sector clients. He is the lead tax advisor for Buddle Findlay’s most…
Vanessa Evitt
Partner, Auckland
Vanessa specialises in resource management, infrastructure, and environmental law.…
- DDI +64 9 363 0584
- M +64 21 754 503
Willie Palmer
Partner, Christchurch
Willie specialises in commercial litigation including construction, insurance and insolvency law. He has broad experience in…
- DDI +64 3 371 3502
- M +64 21 377 961