Connections
Conversations about local government issues, insights and views
Staying informed with relevant news and important developments is critical for us and our clients. We regularly publish insightful articles that discuss the world of local government, record podcasts with thought leaders, and facilitate networking events throughout New Zealand.
Resource management reforms: what you need to know
By now, those working in the resource management space will be aware that the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (or NBA) and the Spatial Planning Act 2023 (or SPA) were recently passed into law, receiving Royal Assent on 23 August 2023. These Acts provide for the reform and eventual repeal of the Resource Management…
Supreme Court has final say: Napier City Council the victors in long running dispute
The Supreme Court has upheld the Court of Appeal’s decision and dismissed the appeal of Local Government Mutual Funds Trustee Limited (RiskPool), finding that Napier City Council is insured under its policy with RiskPool for non-weathertightness related defects. The Supreme Court’s decision brings to an end a long running dispute of significance to councils and…
The future for trout under the NBA Bill
Trout, a species that divides opinions in New Zealand, is seen as a harmful invader of waterways by some and a prized catch for anglers by others. It may come as a surprise that the habitat of trout and salmon is specifically protected under section 7(h) of the RMA. Is this provision outdated, considering that…
ChatGPT: a helpful tool or legal roulette?
As a tech-savvy lawyer, I’m always on the lookout for new tools to make my job easier. But let me tell you, there’s one tool that’s been causing me a lot of trouble lately – ChatGPT. ChatGPT is an AI language model that can help lawyers find and present legal authorities quickly, but there’s a…
Council prosecutions: a ‘how to’ guide for serving defendants
One of the core functions of local authorities is prosecuting and enforcing non-compliance with regulatory requirements, such as breaches of the Building Act and/or the Resource Management Act, and under the Dog Control Act. Once a charge has been laid in the District Court, a defendant needs to be served with the charge, and summonsed.…
Congratulations to our staff
Rice Speir is delighted to announce the well-deserved promotions of four outstanding members of our team; Sarah Farnell and Jade Magrath to Senior Associate and Bodene Robertson-Wright and Rosie Argyle to Senior Solicitor. At Rice Speir we are committed to investing in the professional development of our team members and these promotions are a reflection…
“Chopper” the rottweiler
High Court confirms it is the dog owner’s behavior, not the victim’s, that was under scrutiny in serious attack After a short hearing in the High Court yesterday, Justice Brewer agreed with Jodi Libbey, appearing for Tauranga City Council, that it was the dog owner’s behavior and not the victim’s that was under scrutiny after…
Extra requirements for expert witnesses
Updates to the Code of Conduct for expert witnesses On 1 January 2023 the Environment Court Practice Note 2023 came into effect, replacing the previous 2014 Practice Note. Among other changes, the 2023 Practice Note contains important updates to the Code of Conduct for expert witnesses giving evidence in the Environment Court. In particular, experts…
Two more years to tango
Court of Appeal confirms Building Act longstop won’t preclude contribution claims While some of us were getting ready for the summer holidays, the Court of Appeal quietly dropped its judgment in Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner Ltd v Wellington City Council [2022] NZCA 624, confirming that contribution claims are not precluded by the 10-year limitation…
What to do when a building owner ignores multiple Notices to Fix?
Thames-Coromandel District Council and Rice Speir lead the way with s 220 of the Building Act 2004 In December 2022 Rice Speir successfully obtained orders authorising Thames-Coromandel District Council to carry out building work (including demolition) after a history of non-compliance with Notices to Fix. After removing the longstanding problematic buildings, the owner is now…