Projects and resources management (including environment)

DLA Piper New Zealand

Able to ‘cut through the issues and get straight to the point’, DLA Piper New Zealand utilises its global network to enhance its energy and natural resource advice, especially where matters contain cross-border issues. The firm is expert in resource management and local government assistance also, advising councils, central government bodies, private clients, and iwi. The team is led by Stephen Quinn, an expert in resource management, environmental, and building law. Kerry Anderson is well-versed in infrastructure project support, while Diana Hartley specialises in plan preparation and interpretation, as well as resource consenting. Emma Manohar supports clients with contentious and non-contentious issues in environment, planning, and public law.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Diana Hartley is always approachable and friendly and provides simple short and clear concise advice.’
‘We've always found DLA to have a combination of fast but accurate responses and good advice.’
‘Stephen Quinn is the star of the firm. A safe and confident pair of hands. Stephen has a calm but no-nonsense presence. A very capable operator.’
‘They clearly have a strong collaborative culture which means that they support each other and can pull in specialist advice where needed.’
‘Comprehensive understanding of RM and related law in the local government space. Very client focused.’
‘Stephen Quinn is a guru in the local government space and is able to understand the surrounding context for an issue immediately.’
‘Swift legal advice that's pragmatic and workable from an operational perspective. They are experts in their field while being able to provide advice in most areas of law.’
‘They cut through the issues and get straight to the point.’

Key clients

Auckland Council
Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust
Greater Wellington Regional Council
Nelson City Council
Foodstuffs North Island Limited
Hutt City Council
Waikato Regional Council
Selwyn District Council
Upper Hutt City Council
Tasman District Council
Marlborough District Council
South Wairarapa District Council
Wellington Water Limited
Department of Corrections
Te Tumu Paeroa
South Waikato District Council
Palmerston North City Council

Work highlights

Advising Auckland Council on NPS-UD and Act interpretation, responding to Independent Hearing Panel directions, and presenting legal submissions at various hearings in connection with the proposed Plan Change 78.
Represented Auckland Council in several high-profile judicial review cases, including Drury West Train Station.
Advising the Greater Wellington Regional Council on its first Regional Policy Statement change since 2010 and a related Variation.