Mathew Gribben

Profile

Mathew specialises in environmental and resource management law and advises on a wide range of resource management, environmental and local government matters.

He acts for private clients, infrastructure providers and local authorities on resource consents, policy statements, plans and designations. He has particular recent experience with planning and policy work and obtaining approvals for transport projects, residential development, solar energy and water.

In addition to litigation and advisory work, Mathew has extensive experience in environmental due diligence.

He has acted for the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on the Papakura to Bombay projects and the East West Link. He is currently a senior member of the legal team advising the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Auckland Transport on the Supporting Growth transport programme for Auckland's new growth areas.

Mathew has recently assisted Lightsource bp to obtain approvals for a new grid-scale solar farm at Glorit and is currently acting in relation to a further proposal in Stratford.

Mathew has previously acted for a number of local authorities including Auckland Council on the Auckland Unitary Plan in relation to the coastal plan, natural heritage, social infrastructure and public open space topics.

Prior to joining Buddle Findlay, Mathew worked for a boutique environmental law firm and another national law firm.

Market recognition

Mathew is listed as a 'leading associate' for projects and resource management (including environment) by Legal 500

Work highlights

Acting for Auckland Transport and the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

on the Supporting Growth transport programme for Auckland's new growth areas. Mathew focused on the future transport network in Orewa, Silverdale and Dairy Flat. The network involves a new rapid transit corridor (extending the Northern Busway), new and expanded arterial roads and new cycle ways, stretching over 100kms

Acting for Lightsource bp

to obtain planning approvals, via a fast-track consenting process, for a new solar farm in Glorit, Auckland, located adjacent to the Kaipara Harbour. The proposed solar farm is expected to supply enough electricity for 33,000 homes and create 200 construction jobs. Currently acting for Lightsource bp in relation to the direct referral of a similar sized new solar farm at Stratford, Taranaki

Acting for private developers

to successfully obtain significant new urban residential subdivision in greenfield areas such as Pokeno in the North Waikato. Additional intensification has also been secured via the Council's IPI process under the Enabling Housing Legislation

Acting for the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

on the Papakura to Bombay. This included obtaining designations and resource consents for one stage through the Covid fast-track consenting regime and most recently obtaining designations for Stage 2

Undertaking environmental and planning due diligence

in relation to corporate and property transactions involving solar farms, industrial and residential, including most recently a new solar farm at Kōwhai Park and acquisition of a significant dairy factory by Abbott Nutritiona

Acting for KiwiRail

on the direct referral of the NoRs and resource consents for the Drury West Train Station, including attendance at mediation and Court conferences

Acting for Miraka

on the healthy waters plan change (Plan Change 1) for the Waikato Regional Plan

Acting for the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

on a range of plan making processes in Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Northland including appearances in Environment Court and High Court

Advising Kāinga Ora

on the Covid fast-track proposal for upgrades to the Bothamley Park wastewater connection in Porirua

Acting for Auckland Council

on the direct referral of parts of the City Rail Link

Acting for the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

on the East West Link project, one of New Zealand's most complex state highway projects involving a 13 week hearing before a board of inquiry

Acting for BioPlant Manawatu New Zealand

in relation to one of New Zealand's first proposed waste to energy pyrolysis plants

Acting for Auckland Council

on a range of topics related to the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan including biodiversity, social infrastructure and public open space topics, and subsequent appeals to the High Court and Environment Court

Acting for Western Bay of Plenty District Council

in relation to appeals on a resource consent decision and planning processes

Advising various private clients

on rates and development contributions liability and Public Works Act processes

Experience

Sector/Expertise

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