Special Counsel, Wellington

Frances Wedde

Frances Wedde

Profile

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.

  • Listed as a Next Generation Lawyer by The Legal 500


Work highlights

Advising Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

on the notices of requirement and resource consent applications for Te Ahu a Turanga – a new state highway to replace the permanently closed Manawatū Gorge Road

Advising the applicant on a wastewater upgrade project

Advising Te Arawhiti – the Office for Māori Crown Relations

on a number of Treaty settlements

Advising various local government clients

on proceedings under the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act

Secondment to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency's legal team

on resource management matters

Representing the NZ Transport Agency

at Council hearings to successfully obtain resource consents to construct a replacement for the Old Māngere Bridge in the Upper Manukau Harbour