Local Government
Our specialist Local Government practice advises councils, local authority and private sector clients interacting with local government.
Acting for a significant number of local authorities across the central North Island, our team are experts in the Local Government Act. We understand the diverse nature of local government and our clients’ legal, regulatory and political risks.
Tompkins Wake provides legal support and strategic advice across the entire spectrum of local authority governance and operations – from the day-to-day provision of local infrastructure, local public services and numerous regulatory and enforcement functions, to strategic advice on policy making, law reform, and long-term planning.
Our Local Government team has an in-depth understanding of how councils work and the nature of public decision-making and accountability; helping our Local Government clients to ensure their decision-making is consistent with statutory, public and administrative law obligations and wider policy frameworks.
In the private sector, we work to help our clients navigate the complexities of policy and regulation to achieve their commercial outcomes. Our experience in the local government sector enables us to establish and position commercial interests with key decision-makers.
The team works alongside specialists from across Tompkins Wake to ensure our clients have access to the operational and strategic expertise they need on every matter.
Recent examples of our work:
- Advised Hamilton City Council, Rotorua Lakes Council and Waikato District Council on their Provisional Local Alcohol policies.
- Representing Hamilton City Council in successfully resolving High Court judicial review proceedings in relation to our client’s local approved products policy (re legal highs) and in relation to fluoridation of the water supply.
- Representing South Waikato District Council in successfully defending a claim alleging breach of a process contract in relation to a council tender.
- Rotorua Lakes Council – petition for enquiry relating to the conduct of the 2016 local government elections.
- Advised Hamilton City Council on its rating review and change from a land value to a capital value rate.
- Advised Rotorua Lakes Council on its Iwi engagement strategy and governance structure in order to achieve compliance with Local Government Act obligations concerning Maori involvement in decision-making.
- Advising Hamilton City Council on its 2013 development contributions policy and associated growth funding.
- Acting for councils on a range of significant infrastructure projects, including the New Zealand Transport Agency’s Waikato Expressway and Huntly and Cambridge Bypasses.
Areas of expertise:
- Bylaws and Policies
- Constitutional Law
- Heritage Processes
- Official Information (LGOIMA)
- Public Works Act
- Judicial Review Proceedings
- Public Accountability
- Public Private Partnerships
- Regulatory and Enforcement Powers
- Council Hearings
- Development Contributions
- Governance and Management
- Decision Making
- Local Government Elections
- Reserves and Endowment Land
- Services and Powers
- Warrants
- Long Term Plan and Annual Plans
- Rating Reviews
- Revenue Policy
- Council Controlled Organisations
- Sale and Supply of Alcohol
- Law Reform
- Roading
Local Government team
Knowledge and insights
COVID-19 Response (Urgent Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020
Wednesday 1 April, 2020
Draft National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity released on 26 November 2019
Thursday 12 December, 2019
Can an easement be granted over an esplanade reserve for a commercial activity?
Thursday 12 December, 2019
A Common Sense Framework for Managing Buildings Post Emergency
Thursday 3 October, 2019
Tompkins Wake a proud sponsor of influential infrastructure symposium
Wednesday 21 August, 2019
Local authority requiring monetary contributions on designations
Thursday 20 June, 2019
Bella Vista: MBIE Report highlights failure to perform statutory functions
Tuesday 9 April, 2019
Press Release: Two-step RMA reform to start by fixing the government's blunders
Wednesday 28 November, 2018
Chief Ombudsman upholds Auckland Council's restrictions on stadium reports
Wednesday 28 November, 2018
Recent decision on "affected persons" highlights the importance of context
Wednesday 28 November, 2018
High Court finds Council liable in negligence for damage from fallen tree
Thursday 27 September, 2018
