Profile
David specialises in resource management, environmental and Māori law.
He has advised clients at the heart of intensive Resource Management Act (RMA) processes and relishes being part of multi-faceted teams working on large projects. He is an experienced advocate and has appeared in a broad range of cases before various tribunals, including the Privy Council, Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, Environment Court, Waitangi Tribunal, and Māori Land Court.
David has specific expertise in consenting large-scale infrastructure (such as transport and electricity generation projects) through streamlined consenting processes, including boards of inquiry, direct referral to the Environment Court, and fast-track consenting processes. He also advises on marine consent processes under the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012.
David works extensively with local authorities and has expertise in resource management planning and consenting council operations such as Three Waters infrastructure, flood protection works, and other council assets.
David has acted for the Crown on the settlement of historical Treaty of Waitangi claims.
David is well reputed for his specialist knowledge of resource management and regulatory issues and of consent approvals. One client particularly appreciates his "strong knowledge of the law and recognition of the broader context."
Chambers Asia-Pacific
David is lauded by clients for his "good communication skills and empathy" as well as his "efficient, calm and well-reasoned approach." Specialising in resource management, environmental and conservation law, he has particular experience with infrastructure projects.
Chambers Asia-Pacific
"I am very impressed by David, he is very client-focused, looks to build lasting relationships, ensures clients are well informed, and has technical ability."
Chambers Asia-Pacific
- Member of the Resource Management Law Association (RMLA)
- Associate Member of the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI)
- Accredited RMA hearings commissioner (with chair endorsement)
Experience
Sector / Expertise
- Climate change and sustainability
- Conservation law
- Construction and projects
- Energy and renewables
- Environment and resource management
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Infrastructure
- Litigation and dispute resolution
- Local government
- Māori law
- Minerals and petroleum
- Transport
- Water and wastewater
- Local Water Done Well
Work highlights
Advising on fast-track projects under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 including
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Advising NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on the $312m Ngā Ūranga to Pito-One shared path section of Te Ara Tupua, the first Government COVID-19 Fast-track ‘listed’ project. The project will provide a high quality active transport mode connection between Wellington and the Hutt Valley and enhance the corridor’s resilience to disruption events affecting the operation and use of SH2 and the railway
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Advising Contact Energy on its consent application for the Southland Wind Farm. The wind farm is expected to produce between 900 and 1,200 GWh per year of electricity, which is enough electricity to power 150,000 households
Acting as Panel Chair
for The Hill – Ellerslie (housing development) consent application
Advising NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
on significant transport projects, including Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway, and the Peka Peka to North Ōtaki Expressway
Advising Contact Energy
on resource consent processes for several large-scale renewable energy developments, including the Hauāuru mā raki wind farm, which was called in for hearing by a Board of Inquiry
Acting for Christchurch City Council
on its intensification planning instrument, to incorporate medium density residential standards and give effect to policies 3 and 4 of the National Policy Statement (NPS) on Urban Development 2020, and advising a number of territorial authorities on their obligations under the NPS
Acting for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
on its applications for marine consent to decommission the Tui oil field