My areas of Expertise

Specialist Practice Areas

Industry Expertise

Publications

What I like about my work

I enjoy being involved in some of the most cutting-edge developments in the country and achieving innovative outcomes. I like interacting with experts outside of the law - combining our expertise with theirs allows us to deliver sensible solutions for our clients.

What I’ve done in the past

I spent 18 months working for a barrister, before heading off on my big OE for 4 ½ years. I worked for a while in an environmental law institute in Germany. Upon my return to New Zealand, I spent 10 years as a lawyer at Russell McVeagh in Auckland, 4 of these as a partner.

I moved to Anderson Lloyd in 2000. I wanted to move back to the South Island and chose Anderson Lloyd because of its reputation and the challenge of starting a practice in Christchurch.

My approach to working with my clients

I work collaboratively as part of a team. Rather than tell my clients what to do, I like to collectively work out the best approach. I help them by identifying business risks associated with the process they’re engaged in, and then work with them to get through it as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. I seek to get outcomes that are best for the business, which is often more than simply obtaining a resource consent.

What I enjoy at work

I like working for a firm that is solution driven. We get things done. I also enjoy working as part of a great team. We don’t take ourselves as seriously as a lot of lawyers.

What I enjoy outside of work

I enjoy tramping in the bush, biking, movies and plays. I also enjoy spending time with my wife and three children.

What I enjoy about living in the South Island

The pace of life is much more relaxed in the South Island but the quality of work is right up there. I enjoy being close to the mountains and the forests.

There is so much happening in environmental law in the South Island in the areas of water, mining, electricity generation, and tourism. It’s great to be able to drive, rather than fly, to these places.

Memberships and Directorships

  • Chairman of Trustees for the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust
  • Trustee for the National Parks and Conservation Foundation