Regulatory compliance and enforcement

Local government’s regulatory compliance and enforcement functions are essential to achieving the objectives set out in the legislation they operate under.  These functions help keep people safe and promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources.

Rice Speir is trusted by councils across Aotearoa to ensure they fulfil their statutory functions and deliver consistent, transparent decisions.  We work with council teams to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and make informed compliance and enforcement decisions.  Our team advises on the day-to-day issues that arise throughout the country as well as the complex compliance challenges that often cut across various pieces of legislation.

We assist with drafting guidance documents, policies, and best practice manuals, and provide advice on contentious prosecutions and urgent compliance matters.  This work spans a wide spectrum of local government legislation, including but not limited to the Building Act 2004, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, Resource Management Act 1991, Dog Control Act 1996, and the Local Government Act 2002.

Regulators

We also work with regulators, who are tasked with protecting public interest and upholding professional standards.  This includes advice on statutory decision-making, managing complaints, investigating breaches, and prosecuting and pursuing enforcement action when needed.