Profile

David specialises in environmental, planning and Māori law.

He has advised clients at the heart of intensive Resource Management Act (RMA) and other statutory 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 fast-track consenting processes and direct referral to the Environment Court.  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 including:

  • Advising Contact Energy on its successful application for approvals for the Southland Wind Farm, which will be New Zealand's largest wind farm

  • Advising Wellington Airport on its Southern Seawall Renewal project, approved in record time under the Fast-track Approvals Act

  • Advising NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on the SH1 Wellington Improvements Project

  • Advising NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on Te Ara Tupua, a recently-opened shared path between Ngā Ūranga and Pito-one

  • Advising Otago Regional Council on several fast-track applications

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

Assisting Otakiri Springs

to obtain resource consents for a large water bottling plant and successfully defend appeals in the Environment Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court

Advising numerous council clients

on a range of matters relating to municipal water, wastewater and landfill infrastructure

Teaching the "Making Good Decisions" programme

which is undertaken by all RMA decision-makers

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