Qualifications
LLB (Hons), BSc, University of Otago
Admitted
2012, Auckland
Specialising in environmental and planning law, Nicola advises infrastructure providers, property developers, Māori organisations, environmental organisations and other businesses and individuals.
Nicola has appeared as counsel at Council, Environment Court and High Court level, and represented clients at mediation and informal negotiations. She has extensive experience advising on a wide range of legal and strategic issues, and has a particular interest in legislative and regulatory reform and Māori environmental law issues.
Recent highlights
- Advising NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on the designation and resource consent aspects of a number of state highway projects.
- Acting for developers of major electricity generation, transmission and distribution assets on consenting issues.
- Advising various clients on legislative and regulatory reform processes, and to obtain improvements to national, regional and local policies and plans.
- Assisting a major retirement village provider to obtain resource consents for retirement village developments across New Zealand.
- Acting for iwi organisations opposing resource consents for a geothermal power station and a coastal development.
- Advising on council financial and development contribution policies, including successfully advocating for substantial reductions in development contributions under the Local Government Act.
- Providing specialist advice on environmental due diligence (both purchaser and vendor).
Affiliations
- Resource Management Law Association.
- Infrastructure New Zealand.
