Senior Solicitor, Wellington

Chelsea Easter

Chelsea Easter (2)

Profile

Chelsea specialises in resource management, environmental, Māori, conservation and public law.  She advises on a wide range of matters and processes including the consenting of complex infrastructure projects.

Chelsea has particular expertise in appeals and judicial review, and has appeared in the Environment Court, High Court and Court of Appeal. 

  • Member of the Resource Management Law Association


Work highlights

Acting on fast-track approval projects:

  • Advising Genesis Energy on the Tekapo Power Scheme and the Foxton Solar Farm project
  • Advising Westpower on its Waitaha Power Scheme
  • Advising Contact Energy on the Southland Wind Farm
  • Advising other clients on referral applications for various projects

Advising the RiverLink Project partners

on the resource consent applications and notices of requirement for the NZ$1.5b plus RiverLink project (new Melling interchange and bridge, new flood protection and public transport works, and urban renewal works for the Lower Hutt City centre)

Acting for clients in judicial review proceedings

including in respect of decisions made under the Resource Management Act 1991, Reserves Act 1977, Wildlife Act 1953 and Treaty settlement legislation

Advising NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

on the NZ$2.1b Ōtaki to North of Levin Expressway, the NZ$320m Te Ara o Te Ata - Mt Messenger bypass roading project and the Melling interchange (as part of RiverLink)

Advising Tararua District Council

in Environment Court appeals regarding the reconsenting of its Pahiatua, Eketāhuna and Woodville wastewater infrastructure

Secondment to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

to assist in developing the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Act 2023