Local government

Anderson Lloyd has a specialist local government practice advising councils and related organisations. Councils that we currently act for include: Dunedin City; Christchurch City; Waitaki District; Waimate District; Clutha District; Gore District; and Southland District.

Our expertise includes an in-depth understanding of the legal and political issues that councils need to navigate and we ensure that our advice is pragmatic and therefore helpful.

Our lawyers have an intimate understanding of the Local Government Act and regularly provide advice on part 6 decision making requirements (including consultation with Maori), planning documents and requirements. This includes review and drafting of by-laws, development contributions policies and spatial plans. We also have extensive experience in structuring, and restructuring, and operating council controlled organisations in their various forms.

We frequently advise on delegations, committee structure, standing orders and conflicts of interest. This involves a through working knowledge of both schedule 7 and the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act.

Regulatory enforcement and prosecutions is another area where we have extensive experience. We have undertaken dog control, parking, environmental health, and resource management prosecutions. We advise on the Building Act and have submitted and presented on the Earthquake-Prone Buildings amendments.

The Local Government Act 1974 is often the basis of advice relating to roads and associated transport structures. We frequently advise on the Reserves Act and often utilize the Public Works Act processes. Our property specialists are well versed in the idiosyncrasies of this legislation when leasing or selling council property.

Our specialist commercial lawyers are experienced in council procurement and have acted as probity auditors for tenders for a range of projects from IT to roads.

Rates are central to council operations and we are adept at advising on rates resolutions and funding impact statements.

We also have experience in advising on lower profile acts such as the Local Electoral Act and, unrelated, the Burials and Cremations Act. We enjoy advising on reform of all related local government legislation.

 

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