Our Public Law practice advises local government clients and private clients interacting with local and central government.

Acting for a significant number of local authorities across the central North Island, we are experts in the Local Government Act. We understand the diverse nature of local government and our clients’ legal, regulatory and political risks.

Tompkins Wake provides legal support and strategic advice across the entire spectrum of local authority governance and operations – from the day-to-day provision of local infrastructure, local public services and numerous regulatory and enforcement functions, to strategic advice on policy making, law reform, and long-term planning.

Our Public Law team has an in-depth understanding of how councils work and the nature of public decision-making and accountability; helping our Local Government clients to ensure their decision-making is consistent with statutory, public and administrative law obligations and wider policy frameworks.

In the private sector, we work to help our clients navigate the complexities of policy and regulation to achieve their commercial outcomes. Our experience in the local government sector enables us to establish and position commercial interests with key decision-makers.

The team works alongside specialists from across Tompkins Wake to ensure our clients have access to the operational and strategic expertise they need on every matter.

Recent examples of our work:

• Hamilton City Council - rating review
• Hamilton City Council, Waipa District Council, and Waikato District Council - shared services agreements for wastewater services
• Decision-making and subsequent proceedings on fluoridation of municipal water supply
• Iwi engagement strategy and governance
• Local alcohol policies
• Enquiry relating to the conduct of the 2016 local government elections

Areas of expertise:

Heritage Processes
Official Information (LGOIMA)
Public Works Act
Judicial Review Proceedings
Public Accountability
Public Private Partnerships
Regulatory and Enforcement Powers
Governance and Management
Decision Making
Services and Powers
Warrants
Law Reform
Roading