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 approval projects:
- Advising Genesis Energy on the Tekapo Power Scheme (a favourable draft decision has been provided) and on its listed Foxton Solar Farm project
- Advising Westpower on its Waitaha Power Scheme (awaiting Expert Panel appointment)
- Advising other clients on referral applications for various projects
- Reviewing completeness processes for the Environmental Protection Authority
- Legal advisor to the Delmore Expert Panel
Advising the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
in 2024 on regulatory regime issues and options for Carbon Capture and Storage and LNG facilities
Advising on fast-track projects under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 including:
- Advising CentrePort on KiwiRail's IReX Kaiwharawhara Wellington Ferry Terminal development
- 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 the Environmental Protection Authority (and decision-making committees and Boards of Inquiry)
on marine consent applications under the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act and its regulatory regime, including on non-notified and notified marine consent applications
Advising the Electricity Sector Environmental Group
(Genesis Energy, Contact Energy, Meridian Energy, Mercury NZ (with NZWEA and Transpower)) on RMA and National Policy Statement Reform
Advising NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
on various projects including the NZ$2.1b Ōtaki to North of Levin Expressway and the NZ$365m Mt Messenger bypass project