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Kristen Gunnell
Special Counsel
Auckland
Environment and Planning
+64 9 367 8295 DDI [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-gunnell-a9a34275/
Profile Experience Insights
Profile

Kristen's practice involves advising clients on all aspects of the Resource Management Act 1991 and related legislation, including the Local Government Act 1974, Local Government Act 2002, Building Act 2004, Conservation Act 1987, Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 and Public Works Act 1981. Her work includes advising major infrastructure providers on resource consents, land agreements and strategy for infrastructure projects. Kristen has a range of fast-track experience for applicants and invited parties, and has also chaired a fast-track expert consenting panel, providing her with invaluable insights into approaches to applications.

Related Expertise

Forestry
Public Law & Regulation
Infrastructure & Projects
Regulatory
Environment and Planning
Experience
  • KiwiRail on planning and consenting matters, including housing intensification plan changes nationally, emergency works after recent natural disasters, fast-track consents to develop new wharf and terminal facilities at Waitohi Picton and Kaiwharawhara Wellington, new train stations at Drury Central and Paerata, and electrification and upgrading of the North Island Main Trunk Line between Papakura and Pukekōhe railway stations.
  • Beachlands South on its fast-track application for its comprehensive development including approx 2,000 residential dwellings, including community and commercial spaces, protected ecological restoration area, walking and cycling networks, and community facilities, and enable the potential development of two schools.
  • Watercare Services on major water and wastewater infrastructure development projects including the Mangere Biosolids Servicing Project to secure a future solution for Auckland's biosolids following completion of disposal at Puketutu Island, as well as RMA and environmental law and policy reform.
  • WEL Networks Limited on planning and consenting matters, including consenting of solar farms.
  • Arvida Group on consenting of retirement villages, including through fast-track processes.
  • Fonterra on its private plan change for the Te Rapa North Industrial Zone.
  • Winton Group on planning and consenting matters, including the proposed Inclusionary Housing plan change in the Queenstown-Lakes district.
  • Supporting development of the property acquisition strategy and assisting with the consenting strategy for the City Centre to Mangere Light Rail Proposal by the NZ Infra consortium.
Insights