Local Government

Our Local Government team specialises in working with Councils on significant projects that change the dial for their communities. We bring strategic thinking, expertise putting together transactions and managing internal and external stakeholders, commercial nous and deep experience achieving outcomes within the public sector environment.

Local government decision-making processes take place within an intricate legislative, regulatory and policy context. We are experts on the Local Government Act and our team is experienced in delivering outcomes within this context and has a wide network of relationship with local government decision-makers across the motu.

As active participants in critical local government reorganisations, we have advised a range of clients on making submissions and drafting legislation.

We can assist with the formation of CCOs, the development of city- or regional-wide deals, and other projects involving interaction between local government with central government and/or the private sector.

Our Experience

Our multi-disciplinary team is able to leverage our experience on significant city-shaping transformation projects. Our experience includes:

• Advising the then Auckland Transition Agency, Government and infrastructure interests on the creation of the Auckland Supercity, including on Auckland governance reforms and infrastructure development (including transitional, trust and property, governance and contractual issues).
• Advising on the establishment of new Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) in Auckland, including drafting establishment and asset transfer Orders in Council, statements of intent and constitutions.
• Assisting Hutt City Council on the funding of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi RiverLink project, along with New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Greater Wellington Regional Council, and working together with mana whenua partners Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika, to deliver better flood protection and transport, and to make Hutt City a more vibrant, resilient and liveable city.
• Assisting Tasman District Council on the funding of the Waimea Community Dam, along with Crown Irrigations Investments Limited and private sector irrigators, which will provide an estimated economic benefit of $600-$900 million over 25 years.
• Assisting on a range of activities through the water reforms for "Three Waters", as well as the current "Local Water Done Well" programme, including advising on all aspects of the statutory framework for the provision of Local Water Done Well, Affordable Water and Three Waters services, including duties and powers under the Health Act, Resource Management Act and local government legislation.
• Advising major Auckland CCO, Watercare, on a range of regulatory, legislative and policy issues, including reforms to local government in Auckland arising from the Royal Commission.
• Assisting on the Wellington Commuter Parking Levy as part of the Let's Get Wellington Moving programme.
• Advising Auckland Airport on its acquisition of a shareholding in Queenstown Airport under the Local Government Act 2002.
• Advising on local authority decision-making requirements and CCO governance and accountability provisions under the Local Government Act 2002. 
• Advising councils and utilities operators on rating issues under the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002.
• Advising on issues arising under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.   
• Assisting with the development of regulatory solutions to regional planning and infrastructure issues.
• Advice on challenging proposed development contributions policies in council long term plans.
• Advice and engagement on Auckland Council's Unitary Plan.
• Advice on judicial review of council decision making, including around notification of applications, rating decisions, bylaws and development contributions.
• Engaging with Auckland City on spatial planning and economic development issues.
• Submissions to relevant Select Committees, the Productivity Commission, and the Ministry for the Environment on a range of recent reforms to local government, including in relation to the purpose of local government.