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.
Strengths
"They are top lawyers and more than you get in the regions."
"Simpson Grierson has in-depth knowledge of the NZ local government sector, including legislation and case law."
Work Highlights
Simpson Grierson acted for the New Zealand Catholic Church in relation to the RoyalCommission into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions.
Notable Practitioners
Jonathan Salter is a Wellington-based Consultant, 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 advisor to local government on a variety of public law matters, most notably in relation to environmental issues. "Padraig is an extremely trusted advisor who gets great results for us."
Sally McKechnie 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. "Sally has represented us with great skill, sophistication, energy, deep commitment and an ability to understand us as a complex client." "Sally is incredibly innovative in terms of her approach, very commercially astute, and her legal advice is considered lethal in its effectiveness."
