Profile
David specialises in all aspects of resource management, environmental and natural resources law. He is a leading adviser on complex and large scale infrastructure projects and has particular experience in wastewater and freshwater, roading and energy projects (having advised on geothermal, wind, hydro and thermal projects). David understands the unique challenges of large projects and works collaboratively with his clients, their advisers and other parties to ensure his clients' outcomes are achieved in the most effective and efficient manner.
David is an accredited chair of RMA hearings panels and has chaired a number of hearings. He is also a presenter of the Ministry for the Environment's "Making Good Decisions" programme required for all resource management decision-makers.
"David is extremely professional and he has a warmth which puts his clients at ease. He is knowledgeable, practical and is able to see issues from the perspective of his clients. He has the ability to articulate complex legal matters into everyday English."
Legal 500
David is "an articulate and experienced lawyer who has a friendly demeanour and a sharp wit. He provides sound, expert advice and is able to anticipate how cases will develop and advise accordingly."
Chambers Asia-Pacific
"David has an exceptional focus on customer care, and he can respond to enquiries in an efficient and speedy manner."
Chambers Asia-Pacific
- David is listed as a 'notable practitioner' for project development by IFLR1000 and a 'leading individual' for environment and resource management by Chambers
- Accredited RMA Hearings Commissioner Chair
- Member of the Resource Management Law Association (RMLA)
- Associate Member of the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI)
Experience
Sector / Expertise
- Agribusiness, horticulture and forestry
- Climate change and sustainability
- Conservation law
- Construction and projects
- Energy and renewables
- Environment and resource management
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Infrastructure
- 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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Acting for affected parties on the Kaiwharawhara Wellington Ferry Terminal development
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Acting as Panel Chair for the Flint's Park Stage 1 consent re-application (housing development) having chaired the Streamlined Planning Process for the underlying plan zoning applying to the wider application area (2,500 dwellings)
Advising NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Hutt City Council
Advising the RiverLink Project partners (NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Hutt City Council) as well as KiwiRail on the designation and resource consent applications and notices of requirements for the $700m RiverLink project (new Melling interchange and bridge, new flood protection works and public transport works, and urban renewal and regeneration works for the Lower Hutt City centre)
Advising Local Government New Zealand
and other clients, including the Electricity Sector Environment Group, on the current RMA reforms
Advising Kāinga Ora-Homes and Communities
on the legal framework for the different phases of the Specified Development Project process under the Urban Development Act 2020
Advising Hutt City Council on the $30m plus Tupua Horo Nuku - Eastern Bays shared path from Seaview to Eastbourne
This project faced many challenges, including being located in a tightly constrained and highly valued coastal environment, vulnerability to climate change, and funding constraints
Advising Contact Energy
on its $750m GeoFuture project and previously on numerous wind, geothermal, hydro and thermal projects and other planning matters