Overview
Restoration of the City of Christchurch, and the wider Canterbury region, to a functioning and vibrant destination brings with it a set of unique challenges:
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New infrastructure is required to service commercial, industrial and residential land and buildings
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Economic recovery requires the redevelopment of manufacturing, retail and tourism sectors
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Population movement has flow on effects for employment and health and safety
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A changing natural environment means local resources must be carefully managed
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Strategic planning, good governance and management are essential for progress
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Significant insurance and finance requirements.
These challenges also present exciting opportunities for those investing in the future of Canterbury. Navigating a project in Canterbury during this phase of growth takes planning, creativity and specialist legal advice.
Our clients are actively involved with the financing, development and construction of large scale projects in Canterbury. At a broader level we understand the way in which this region is adapting and planning for long-term change. We advise key local authorities on matters relating to the rebuild, including the Christchurch City, Ashburton District, Hurunui District and Selwyn District Councils. We also advised the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (now LINZ) on a wide range of legal issues.
As a national law firm with a long-established office in Christchurch, our staff have extensive local knowledge, contacts and experience throughout the region.
While adaptability is essential in the current environment, prior to the Canterbury earthquakes, our staff were already experienced in construction, insurance, employment, resource management, and commercial law. Our rebuild team in Christchurch is supported by a wider group of national experts based in our Wellington and Auckland offices.
Work highlights
Advising the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority
on earthquake recovery matters, including the exercise of its powers under legislation
Advising the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority
on the acquisition of the residential red zone properties and the acquisition of the central city properties required for the anchor projects forming part of the Christchurch CBD rebuild
Assisting Selwyn District Council
with the largest industrial/business park development in New Zealand. At over 180 ha, the project has required Buddle Findlay to advise on multifaceted aspects including subdivisions, sales, leasing, acquisitions and consenting issues
Acting for Richard Diver/Countrywide Property Trust
in the acquisition and development of a number of high profile commercial properties in the Christchurch CBD
Advising Christchurch Central Development Unit (CCDU)
on the acquisition of large central city tracts of land for development and construction of anchor projects
Advising Christchurch City Council
on liability, risk and contracting issues arising from the Port Hills Earthquake Remediation project
Our team
Alanya Limmer
Partner, Christchurch
Alanya specialises in environment and resource management law and local government law. Alanya has earned a reputation as one of…
- DDI +64 3 371 3501
- M +64 21 812 811
David Allen
Partner, Wellington
David specialises in all aspects of resource management, environmental and natural resources law and local government law. He is a…
- DDI +64 4 462 0423
- M +64 21 955 744
Jan Etwell
Partner, Christchurch
Jan specialises in banking and finance, commercial and company law. Her experience includes acting as instructing solicitor…
- DDI +64 3 371 3514
- M +64 21 655 604
John Buchan
Partner, Christchurch
John specialises in corporate and commercial law and in particular, commercial property. He acts on a wide range of transactions…
- DDI +64 3 371 3504
- M +64 21 900 124
Kelly Paterson
Partner, Christchurch
Kelly specialises in commercial litigation. She advises on a wide range of commercial litigation issues, including contract disputes…
- DDI +64 3 371 3547
- M +64 21 891 028
Mark Odlin
Partner, Christchurch
Board of Management
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
Susan Rowe
Partner, Christchurch
Susan specialises in litigation, local government, insurance, industrial relations and health and safety. Susan currently advises…
- DDI +64 3 371 3517
- M +64 27 537 7784
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…
- DDI +64 9 358 7066
- M +64 27 476 6587
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