Local Government

Our Local Government team has the experience and specialist knowledge to deliver targeted and timely advice on all council-related matters.

Local government law requires an understanding of the rules of natural justice, and expertise working within the relevant legislation.

Wynn Williams has a thorough understanding of how Councils work, and we’re able to tailor our advice to meet the competing obligations on Councils. Our well-honed negotiation and persuasion skills are frequently used.

Wynn Williams has been the lead provider of legal services to Environment Canterbury since its inception in 1989; and we regularly provide advice to a range of other district and regional councils. We also advise corporate clients, developers and other private clients on local government-related matters.

Where a cross-disciplinary approach is required, these clients also have access to our specialist teams in Resource Management, Property, Commercial, Employment and Litigation.
 
  • Advising a Regional Council on the implications of co-governance agreements.
  • The receivership of a Council Controlled Trading Organisation and dealing wtih subsequent liquidators' claims against directors and shareholders.
  • Change 1 to Canterbury Regional Policy Statement - Implementing the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy including Urban Limits for growth across three districts.
  • Canterbury Natural Resources Regional Plan - management of water quantity, water quality, air quality, wetlands, soil conservation, and beds and margins of lakes and rivers throughout Canterbury Region.
  • Appeals on Canterbury Air Quality Plan.
  • Plan change appeals on coastal protection zones.
  • Plan change appeals on rezoning rural land to provide for Pegasus Bay township.
  • Resource consent appeals on Kate Valley Landfill.
  • Resource consent appeals on Mt Cass Windfarm.
  • Public Works Act issues.
  • Reserves Act issues.
  • Rating issues.
  • Council-controlled trading organisations.
  • Advising, representing and negotiating in resource management issues.
  • Governance.
  • Probity.
  • Disputes between public sector agencies.