Sarah Eveleigh

Sarah specialises in resource management and local government law. She advises clients on a broad range of matters including consenting, compliance, planning processes and due diligence. She has been practicing in Christchurch since 2006.

Sarah has particular expertise in freshwater management and agribusiness. Sarah has acted for water suppliers, statutory bodies, public interest groups and individual farmers on regional plan changes relating to water management, rural land use and nutrient management, and on consenting of water storage and irrigation schemes.

Sarah also has a focus on urban planning, having successfully obtained commercial, residential and rural-residential land rezoning for a number of land developers in Canterbury. She also advises on resource consenting matters, including representation at Council and Environment Court hearings. Sarah enjoys working with clients and their technical advisors to understand their goals and motivations, to enable her to provide legal and strategic advice to achieve the outcomes they seek.

Publications

• Government to clarify discharge consent provisions in the Resource Management Act
• Anderson Lloyd recognised in 2025 edition of Best Lawyers in New Zealand
• Water bottling decision has broader implications for water permits
• Environment Court upholds pasture exclusions in classification of natural wetlands
• In brief: Legislation updates
• Environmental Policy Update
• Exposure Draft of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity
• In brief: RMA reform – Natural and Built Environments Bill
• Review of use of Overseer as a regulatory tool
• Shaping the future
• Winter grazing standards deferred
• Number 8 wire attitude needed to achieve Climate Change Commission’s targets for lower emissions
• New activities-based district plan notified for fast-growing Selwyn District
• Freshwater reforms confirmed
• COVID-19 response: Council meeting procedures