Chris has a depth of experience in resource management and planning matters. He has been involved in resource consent applications and appeals on a range of residential, commercial, and industrial development projects, including major energy infrastructure. He is familiar with all aspects of network utilities, including designations. Chris has also assisted clients with issues related to compulsory acquisition of land, overseas investment, and applications for customary marine title in the coastal environment.
Chris has made numerous appearances at Council hearings, in the Environment Court and the High Court in relation to resource consent applications, designations, and district plan provisions. He has been involved in legislative and policy reforms for resource management and environment.
NOTABLE EXPERIENCE
Assisting Northport Limited with the scoping, strategic design, and consenting of its proposal to expand and develop its port facility to deliver a dedicated container terminal
Assisting the Environmental Protection Authority on several called-in applications of national significance, including the reconsideration of Trans-Tasman Resources Limited’s offshore application to extract and process iron sand, NZ King Salmon, Coastal Resources Limited’s application for marine dumping consents, the application for a Water Conservation Order at Te Waikoropupū Springs, the Dominion Road mixed-use development, Basin Bridge, and NZTA’s Puhoi to Wellsford RoNS
Acting for Channel Infrastructure (formerly Refining NZ) on all environmental issues, including:
obtaining all necessary resource consents for a major capital dredging project at Whangarei harbour and channel entrance
strategic advice on environmental compliance associated with restructure to import and distribution terminal, including application for requiring authority status and transferring responsibility for rights and responsibilities of designations to new entity
obtaining resource consents for operational discharges required for Marsden Point facility
claims for customary marine title and protected customary rights
implementation of and compliance with Negotiated Greenhouse Agreement, and transition from NGA to ETS participant
Assisting Mansons TCLM Limited and the Ted Manson Foundation on a number of commercial and residential development projects
Assisting 2degrees obtain resource consent for numerous mobile telecommunications facilities and emerging technologies, including regarding the interpretation and application of new regulatory policy (NES for Telecommunication Facilities)
Acting for Todd Property to successfully negotiate a plan change and obtain a series of resource consents for a multi-stage residential development in Napier
Assisting Progressive Enterprises obtain resource consent for a new mixed-use development in Auckland
Acting for Contact Energy on an environmental offset project in respect of the Hauāru Mā Raki windfarm
Assisting Sanitarium Health & Wellbeing to obtain resource consents for the operation and development of its primary NZ manufacturing site in Auckland
Successful High Court appearance on behalf of Trustpower defending judicial review challenge to grant of resource consents for a Central Otago wind farm
Acting for Asaleo Care (formerly SCA Hygiene), a multinational tissue product manufacturer through series of Environment Court appeals relating to geothermal extraction and reinjection in Kawerau
Assisting Pacific Steel Group (a division of Fletcher Steel Limited) obtain air discharge consent for continued operation of a significant steel manufacturing and recycling plant in Auckland
Advising landowners affected by Transpower's proposed North Island Grid Upgrade Project
Responsible for successful objection by National Amusements (operators of Showcase and Multiplex cinemas) against compulsory purchase order relating to acquisition of land for London 2012 Olympics
Advising Microsoft Corporation on planning aspects of redevelopment of business park in Thames Valley, Reading (UK)
PRACTICE AREAS
Resource Management
Environment
Major Projects
Energy and Resources