Profile

David specialises in resource management, environmental and Māori law.

He has advised clients at the heart of intensive Resource Management Act (RMA) processes and relishes being part of multi-faceted teams working on large projects.  He is an experienced advocate and has appeared in a broad range of cases before various tribunals, including the Privy Council, Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, Environment Court, Waitangi Tribunal, and Māori Land Court.

David has specific expertise in consenting large-scale infrastructure (such as transport and electricity generation projects) through streamlined consenting processes, including boards of inquiry, direct referral to the Environment Court, and fast-track consenting processes.  He also advises on marine consent processes under the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012.

David works extensively with local authorities and has expertise in resource management planning and consenting council operations such as Three Waters infrastructure, flood protection works, and other council assets.

David has acted for the Crown on the settlement of historical Treaty of Waitangi claims.

Market recognition

Market recognition

David is well reputed for his specialist knowledge of resource management and regulatory issues and of consent approvals. One client particularly appreciates his "strong knowledge of the law and recognition of the broader context." - Chambers Asia-Pacific
David is lauded by clients for his "good communication skills and empathy" as well as his "efficient, calm and well-reasoned approach." Specialising in resource management, environmental and conservation law, he has particular experience with infrastructure projects. - Chambers Asia-Pacific
"I am very impressed by David, he is very client-focused, looks to build lasting relationships, ensures clients are well informed, and has technical ability." - 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 (with chair endorsement)
Member of the Resource Management Law Association (RMLA)
Associate Member of the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI)
Work highlights

Work highlights

Advising on fast-track projects under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 including

  • Advising NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on the $312m Ngā Ūranga to Pito-One shared path section of Te Ara Tupua, the first Government COVID-19 Fast-track ‘listed’ project.  The project will provide a high quality active transport mode connection between Wellington and the Hutt Valley and enhance the corridor’s resilience to disruption events affecting the operation and use of SH2 and the railway

  • Advising Contact Energy on its consent application for the Southland Wind Farm.  The wind farm is expected to produce between 900 and 1,200 GWh per year of electricity, which is enough electricity to power 150,000 households 

Acting as Panel Chair

for The Hill – Ellerslie (housing development) consent application

Advising NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

on significant transport projects, including Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway, and the Peka Peka to North Ōtaki Expressway

Advising Contact Energy

on resource consent processes for several large-scale renewable energy developments, including the Hauāuru mā raki wind farm, which was called in for hearing by a Board of Inquiry

Acting for Christchurch City Council

on its intensification planning instrument, to incorporate medium density residential standards and give effect to policies 3 and 4 of the National Policy Statement (NPS) on Urban Development 2020, and advising a number of territorial authorities on their obligations under the NPS

Acting for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

on its applications for marine consent to decommission the Tui oil field

Experience

Experience

Sector/Expertise

Alternate contacts

Alternate contacts