Conservation law

Overview

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.

Market recognition

"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

Experience

Sector/Expertise

Work highlights

Advising the Crown and private entities

on issues relating to concessions and biodiversity offsets in the context of large infrastructure projects

Advising Westpower

on its current concession application in relation to a hydro development on the Waitaha River

Advising the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

on its application under the Marine Reserves Act to reclaim six hectares from a marine reserve for the Waterview Connection project

Advising the Crown, local authorities and private entities

on a wide range of issues relating to the Reserves Act 1977

Advising a range of clients

on conservation planning for national parks, reserves, marine reserves and conservation areas

Advising Auckland Council

on issues under the Reserves Act 1977, including on the Tāmaki Collective Treaty settlement in relation to the volcanic cones in Auckland

Advising on concession, marine reserve and Wildlife Act issues

for current and proposed energy developments

Advising on access arrangements, Wildlife Act permits and concessions

in relation to mining

Advising the Crown (Office of Treaty Settlements)

on a wide range of conservation law issues that arise in the context of Treaty settlements, including in relation to the arrangements over Te Urewera and the Tūhoe settlement

Advising on establishing and maintaining effective working relationships

with the Department and Minister of Conservation

Advising on Wildlife Act issues

including in relation to protected snails and other wildlife affected by mining and roading projects

Advising on management planning

such as conservation management strategies and management plans under the Conservation Act, National Parks Act, Reserves Act and Marine Reserves Act

Advising the tourism and film industries

on concession and management planning issues

Advising on the interaction

between aquaculture and conservation legislation

Advising energy companies

on the implications of conservation legislation in relation to large energy projects

Advising on the interaction

between the Resource Management Act and conservation law

Our team