Barrister and Solicitor

Joan is a seasoned legal expert with over 20 years of specialization in environmental and resource management law. Her extensive experience covers critical areas such as quarries, farming practices, and land development, making her a trusted advisor in navigating complex legal and regulatory landscapes. Joan frequently represents clients in the Environment Court and at Local Authority hearings for resource consents and plan changes, consistently achieving favourable outcomes.

In her career, Joan has chaired a decision-making panel for a large-scale development under New Zealand's Fast Track consenting process, showcasing her leadership and ability to manage significant projects with tight timelines. Beyond her environmental law expertise, she provides authoritative advice on prosecution and enforcement, public works, and local government matters, offering comprehensive legal solutions to a wide range of challenges.

Joan is actively involved in the academic and professional communities. She is a member of the University of Waikato Council, served 3 terms on the Central Regional Committee of the Property Council, including as vice chair, and contributes to the Property Council’s Resource Management Reform Taskforce. Her leadership is further reflected in her role as the past Chair of the Waikato branch of the Resource Management Law Association and co-convenor of 2 national conferences for the Resource Management Law Association.

Academically, Joan is distinguished by her PhD and LLB in Law from the University of Waikato, alongside degrees in Arts (History) and Science (Chemistry) from Otago University. Her PhD research, which focused on the relationship between science and law in environmental decision-making, provides her with unique insights into the role of expert witnesses in environmental law, further enhancing her ability to guide clients through complex legal cases.

With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of environmental and resource management law, Joan is exceptionally well-equipped to provide strategic legal advice and representation in even the most challenging cases.

Working with experienced consultants within the RMA field of practice is the key to successful outcomes for projects. Joan has an excellent network of contacts in the RMA community and collaborates with others across the country as required.

• Resource consents
• Environmental law and policy
• Planning and plan changes
• Appeals to the Environment Court
• Public Works Act acquisitions
• Abatement notices and enforcement procedures