Environmental Law Services

Expert Environmental Law Services in New Zealand

Our network of experienced environmental lawyers provides comprehensive legal services for all environmental and resource management matters across New Zealand. Whether you're a developer seeking resource consents, a business ensuring environmental compliance, or dealing with contaminated land issues, our lawyers understand the complex regulatory framework governing New Zealand's environment. From major infrastructure projects to sustainable development initiatives, our environmental lawyers deliver strategic legal solutions that balance development needs with environmental protection.

Environmental law in New Zealand is complex and constantly evolving, with multiple layers of legislation, regional planning instruments, and policy statements that must be navigated. Our lawyers stay current with changing regulations and provide practical advice to help you achieve your objectives while meeting environmental responsibilities.

Comprehensive Resource Management Services

Resource Consent Applications

Securing resource consents is fundamental to most development projects in New Zealand. Our lawyers provide end-to-end support for all types of consent applications:

• Land Use Consents: Development approvals for building, subdivision, and land alteration activities
• Subdivision Consents: Creating new titles, boundary adjustments, and cross-lease conversions
• Discharge Permits: Authorization for discharges to air, water, or land including stormwater and industrial discharges
• Water Permits: Rights to take, use, dam, or divert water for industrial, irrigation, or municipal purposes
• Coastal Permits: Activities in the coastal marine area including structures, reclamation, and marine farms
• Designations: Public work designations for infrastructure and utility projects

Planning & Policy Work

• District Plan Changes: Private plan changes to enable specific developments or activities
• Regional Policy Statements: Submissions and advocacy on regional planning documents
• National Policy Statements: Compliance with national environmental standards and policies
• Structure Planning: Large-scale development planning and urban growth strategies
• Heritage Protection: Managing development around heritage sites and areas

Environmental Compliance & Risk Management

Environmental compliance is critical for business operations and development projects. Our lawyers help ensure full regulatory compliance while managing environmental risks:

Contaminated Land Management

• Site Investigations: Coordinating contaminated land assessments and remediation planning
• National Environmental Standard: Compliance with NES for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil
• Remediation Strategies: Developing cost-effective site remediation and management plans
• Liability Management: Allocating contaminated land liabilities in property transactions
• Regional Council Liaison: Managing council requirements and ongoing monitoring

Water Quality & Management

• Freshwater Reforms: Compliance with National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management
• Water Allocation: Securing water rights for irrigation, municipal, and industrial use
• Discharge Management: Industrial discharge permits and trade waste agreements
• Stormwater Compliance: Managing stormwater discharges and infrastructure requirements
• Wetland Protection: Navigating wetland regulations and offset requirements

Air Quality & Emissions

• Industrial Emissions: Air discharge permits for manufacturing and processing operations
• Climate Change Compliance: Emissions Trading Scheme obligations and carbon credit management
• Dust and Odour Management: Addressing air quality issues from construction and industrial activities
• Clean Air Regulations: Compliance with regional air quality plans and standards

Conservation & Biodiversity Law

New Zealand's unique biodiversity requires careful legal management. Our lawyers provide expertise in conservation law and biodiversity protection:

• Conservation Act Compliance: Concessions, permits, and advocacy for activities on conservation land
• Wildlife Act Matters: Protected species management and wildlife authority permits
• Biodiversity Offsetting: Designing and implementing biodiversity offset packages
• Māori Cultural Values: Integrating cultural impact assessments and iwi consultation
• Marine Protection: Marine reserves, marine protected areas, and fisheries law
• Native Vegetation: SNAs (Significant Natural Areas) and indigenous biodiversity protection

Environmental Litigation & Dispute Resolution

When environmental disputes arise, experienced legal representation is essential. Our lawyers provide strategic litigation services:

• Environment Court Proceedings: Appeals, declarations, and enforcement proceedings
• Judicial Review: High Court challenges to council decisions and government policy
• Enforcement Proceedings: Defending against or pursuing environmental prosecutions
• Mediation Services: Alternative dispute resolution for environmental conflicts
• Expert Witness Coordination: Managing technical and environmental expert evidence
• Class Action Support: Representing groups affected by environmental damage

Climate Change & Sustainability Law

Climate change legislation creates new legal requirements and opportunities. Our lawyers help navigate this evolving area:

• Emissions Trading Scheme: ETS compliance, carbon credits, and forestry regulations
• Climate Change Response Act: Zero Carbon Act obligations and climate budgets
• Renewable Energy Projects: Wind, solar, and hydro development consenting
• Green Building Standards: Environmental certifications and sustainable development
• Carbon Offsetting: Forest carbon partnerships and offsetting strategies
• Sustainable Transport: Electric vehicle infrastructure and transport planning

Sector-Specific Environmental Services

Infrastructure & Energy

• Major infrastructure projects and transport corridors
• Energy generation and transmission projects
• Telecommunications and utility infrastructure
• Public-private partnerships with environmental components

Primary Industries

• Agricultural discharge permits and nutrient management
• Forestry operations and harvesting regulations
• Aquaculture development and marine farming
• Mining and quarrying operations

Urban Development

• Residential and commercial subdivision projects
• Mixed-use developments and urban intensification
• Infrastructure funding and development contributions
• Social and affordable housing developments

Environmental Law Costs & Fees

Understanding legal costs helps you budget for environmental law services:

• Initial Consultation: Many environmental lawyers offer free 30-minute consultations
• Hourly Rates: $400-650 per hour for experienced environmental lawyers
• Consent Applications: $5,000-20,000 depending on complexity and consent type
• Environment Court Appeals: $15,000-50,000 depending on case complexity
• Compliance Audits: $3,000-10,000 for comprehensive compliance reviews
• Project Legal Support: Retainer arrangements for ongoing development projects

Why Choose Our Environmental Lawyers?

• Specialized Expertise: Deep knowledge of environmental law and RMA processes
• Technical Understanding: Ability to work with environmental scientists and planners
• Regulatory Experience: Extensive experience with councils and government agencies
• Court Advocacy: Proven track record in Environment Court and judicial review
• Commercial Focus: Practical solutions that balance environmental and business objectives
• Stakeholder Management: Skilled in iwi consultation and community engagement
• Strategic Planning: Long-term environmental planning and risk management