Practice Areas
Jonathan is widely regarded as New Zealand’s leading expert on the structures, powers, processes, and funding of local authorities, advocating for the sector’s interests through periods of dramatic reform and on specific major projects for over 35 years.
Jonathan primarily acts for local authorities and their organisations, but also for those dealing with, or regulating for, local government. He is sought out by private sector and governmental bodies looking to work with local authorities.
From a deep understanding of statutory and political contexts, Jonathan advises on local authority major projects, litigation, and reforms; lobbying, drafting, and promoting legislation, and judicial review proceedings.
He regularly advises, and, as required mediates, in governance and restructuring matters, and provides new council inductions and governance training.
Publications
Author of several papers on the National Transition Committee for Local Government Reform - A New Century for Local Government
Principal author of Brookers Guide to the Local Government Act 2002
Principal author of Thomsons Local Government Law in New Zealand