Public Law - New Zealand
What the team is known for
Simpson Grierson fields a versatile team that can address the full range of issues faced by public sector bodies at all levels, but is particularly well known for its unrivalled profile in the local government space. The firm maintains a national presence advising city and regional councils across New Zealand, with offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The team has substantial expertise in the Resource Management Act and funding mechanism matters for key areas such as housing, health and utilities. The practice is highly proficient in legislation, infrastructure and governance matters, and its key clients include the Southland District Council, the Catholic Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and Auckland Council.
Strengths
"Simpson Grierson provide advocacy and litigation and are often much more subtle than their counterparts when dealing with high-profile New Zealand public law matters and international matters."
"They are very attentive and responsive; they listen to me and fulfil my needs."
Work highlights
Simpson Grierson represented Auckland Council in its defence of judicial review proceedings brought by four commercial accommodation owners and operators challenging the council's decision to introduce a targeted rate assessed on commercial accommodation providers.
Notable practitioners
Jonathan Salter is a Wellington-based special counsel, particularly well known as a specialist in the representation of local authorities, an area in which he has practised for over 30 years. He offers particularly focused expertise concerning the funding of local authorities generally, and of their infrastructure in particular.
Padraig McNamara is a highly reputed public-law litigator based in Auckland. He acts frequently as an adviser to local government on a variety of public law matters, most notably in relation to environmental issues.
Sally McKechnie secures a leading position in the ranking this year. She is a well-regarded Wellington-based litigator noted for her work on contentious public law matters, frequently acting for central government and public sector clients on a variety of cases, including judicial reviews and royal commissions. "She is very skilled at advocacy."
Bill Loutit regularly advises local authorities on environmental issues relating to infrastructure projects and is also a seasoned litigator with experience extending up to and including Supreme Court level. He is based in Auckland.
