Local government

Buddle Findlay is recognised as a national leader in the practice of local government law in New Zealand.

Our local government clients are required to operate and demonstrate accountability in a complex political, financial and regulatory environment.  The successful performance of core functions requires the support of legal advisers with an excellent understanding of that environment, as well as superior technical legal skills.

Buddle Findlay is principal legal adviser to Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council and Hurunui District Council, and is a significant provider to the new Auckland Council. 

Prior to the creation of the new Auckland Council on 1 November 2010, Buddle Findlay advised Auckland City Council, Rodney District Council, Waitakere City Council, Auckland Regional Holdings and Metrowater.

We are specialist advisers to a number of other local authorities around New Zealand including Nelson City Council, Hutt City Council, Waikato Regional Council, Marlborough District Council and South Waikato District Council, and have provided project-based advice to others including Waitomo District Council, Matamata-Piako District Council and Taupo 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.

We are experts in relation to the following legislation:

• Local Government Acts (1974 and 2002)
• Local Government (Tamaki Makaurau Reorganisation) Act 2009
• Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009
• Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Act 2008
• Resource Management Act 1991
• Building Act 2004
• Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 (and its predecessor, the Rating Powers Act 1988)
• Rating Valuations Act 1998
• Local Government and Official Information and Meetings Act 1987
• Local Authorities (Members’ Interests) Act 1968
• Protected Disclosures Act 2000
• Local Electoral Act 2001
• Bylaws Act 1910
• Public Works Act 1981
• Public Bodies Leases Act 1969
• Reserves Act 1977
• Sale of Liquor Act 1989
• Health Act 1956
• Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996
• Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Act 2002.