Christian Whata

Partner

Practice Area:

Specialisations:

Christian has in-depth experience in project development, obtaining consents for a range of projects from major shopping centres to wind farms and hydro generation projects. His experience includes major litigation on Maori rights (including land and fisheries litigation). An integral part of his work is dispute resolution and he is skilled at assisting negotiations. Christian has been a partner since 2001.

• Advising Dow Chemicals in relation to the reconsenting of one of New Zealand's largest hazardous waste containment facilities in New Plymouth.
• Acting for Winstone Aggregates and Fulton Hogan in relation to the recently ppened Whangaripo Quarry. 
• Acting for Trustpower Limited in relation to resource consent applications for the 72 MW Wairau Hydroelectric Power Scheme, the largest new hydroelectric power scheme in New Zealand since the Resource Management Act 1991 was passed.
• Acting for Macquarie Goodman in relation to resource consent applications for the 220kV and 110kV transmission lines through the Highbrook Business Park.
• Assisting the Arawa and Tuwharetoa tribes to reach agreement with the Te Ohu Kai Moana (Maori Fisheries Commission) on fisheries allocation. 
• Advising on and preparing resource consent applications for a wide range of industrial and commercial projects, including electricity generation, dairy industry, forestry development, mineral extraction and commercial property development.
• Extensive experience in appearing at resource consent application hearings and in the Environment Court, High Court, Supreme Court and Privy Council.
• Advising on local government process and procedure, including on challenges to rating and development contribution policies. Extensive experience in dealing with local, regional and central government.
• Providing strategic and litigation advice in relation to Maori issues.
• Undertaking District Plan review and attendance at Council hearings and Environment Court and High Court appeals on District Plan matters affecting a wide range and type of developments.
• Providing advice and assistance to development projects, including retail developments, wastewater and coastal projects.
• Local and Central Government lobbying, including appearances at Select Committee hearings.
• Extensive experience in opposing resource consent applications in urban, rural and coastal environs.