Profile
Thad specialises in resource management and Māori law, assisting developers, councils and other stakeholders to navigate complex and contentious Resource Management Act (RMA) and related consenting and planning processes.
Thad has a particular specialty in RMA authorisations for large infrastructure projects. Thad advises clients on all aspects of the consenting process and related processes for other environmental consents and the acquisition of land. He is experienced in working with technical experts and project team members to oversee the production of technical reports, statements of evidence and other supporting documentation necessary for consenting processes for large scale infrastructure projects.
Thad also advises on regional and district plan processes, advising councils and submitters, including through Environment Court mediation and appeals.
Thad has appeared at council level hearings and in front of Boards of Inquiry, the Environment Court, the High court and the Court of Appeal. He regularly attends Environment Court facilitated mediation of appeals on RMA consents and plans.
- Member of the Resource Management Law Association (RMLA)
Work highlights
Advising Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
on a range of significant transport developments, including the Ōtaki to north of Levin highway, Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway, Te Ara o te Ata: Mt Messenger Bypass project, Te Ara Tupua: Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-one shared path project, and the Petone to Grenada link road
Advising Gisborne District Council
on its replacement Regional Freshwater Plan, including through Environment Court mediation and litigation processes in respect of all appeals on the Freshwater Plan
Advising Christchurch City Council
on planning matters, including the implementation of the National Policy Statement on Urban Development through the District Plan
Acting or the Waikato River Authority
in respect of Environment Court appeals on Plan Change 2 to the Waikato Regional Plan
Acting for the Crown
on the proposed Christchurch Replacement Plan process, and appearing in front of the Independent Hearings Panel considering the proposed Plan
Advising Contact Energy
on a range of renewable electricity generation projects