Frances specialises in the Resource Management Act (RMA) and Māori law.
She is a skilled advocate and has appeared for clients at Council hearings, the Environment Court, the High Court, Boards of Inquiry and the Waitangi Tribunal.
Frances has particular expertise in the consenting of infrastructure projects and has advised Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency on several roading projects throughout New Zealand as well as a number of other infrastructure clients on significant projects.
Frances also advises Te Arawhiti – the Office for Māori Crown Relations on Treaty settlement negotiations and is representing a number of clients on proceedings under the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act.
Prior to joining Buddle Findlay, Frances worked as a resource management and Māori law solicitor for another leading New Zealand law firm. She has also worked for central government on foreshore and seabed legislation.