My areas of Expertise

Specialist Practice Areas

What I like about my work

I enjoy the challenge of dealing with tricky RMA issues and like to work alongside my clients to achieve their objectives. I like meeting, and learning more about environmental issues, from the variety of experts and scientists that I get to know during the course of my work. It is also satisfying to think that what I do does make a difference to our environment.

What I’ve done in the past

When I graduated from university, I was offered a number of jobs with law firms in the North Island. I was also lucky enough to be offered a position with Anderson Lloyd, which meant that I was able to stay in Dunedin. I have been here since day one of my career.

I started out as a commercial lawyer, doing mergers and acquisitions and corporate commercial work. In 1991, the Resource Management Act came into force and it was a great opportunity for me to shift my focus into this area. I became a partner in 1996 and have been the Chairman of Partners since 2003.

My approach to working with my clients

I have a collaborative style and I focus on problem solving. I like to think that I am fun to work with; otherwise, it just gets too hard! I have a can-do attitude and work hard to achieve my clients’ objectives. I believe the most important factor in any client relationship is delivering high quality legal advice. If you do this, then strong working relationships can be built with clients, based on trust and respect.

What I enjoy at work

I enjoy working with the people at Anderson Lloyd. The firm also has some fantastic clients, and gets involved in a huge variety of work. It’s great that we can do it all from the South Island.

What I enjoy outside of work

I enjoy spending time with my family and the lifestyle that the South Island has to offer. I am a keen reader and enjoy travel and fine wine.

What I enjoy about living in the South Island

I like the ease of getting to and from work and the accessibility of some of this country’s most beautiful scenery. I enjoy the open space and the fact that there are not so many people around. The climate isn’t as bad as people think it is either!

Memberships and Directorships

Board member, Southern Sinfonia, a semi professional orchestra (I originally played the oboe with them)