Derek specialises in resource management and environmental law and has experience representing clients in both Local Government and Environment Court jurisdictions. He provides advice to a broad range of clients, including private developers, insurance agencies and local councils.
Derek’s advises on variety of regulatory matters, including district plan changes, resource consenting and compliance issues. He has been heavily involved in the Dunedin, Queenstown and Selwyn district plan reviews, primarily acting for landowner groups seeking rezoning of their land.
He is particularly interested in issues concerning freshwater quality and efficient utilisation of resources. His background in agriculture means he understands the equilibrium to be managed between achieving environmental outcomes and economic feasibility.
Derek started his career in a mid-sized law firm in Otago before locating to Duncan Cotterill’s Nelson office in 2021. His experience and industry connections mean he is well placed to receive instructions throughout the South Island.