Matthew specialises in property law with particular expertise in the Public Works Act, the statutory and regulatory processes affecting Crown land, roads and the property law aspects of the Resource Management Act process.

Matthew advises on the property aspects of the Resource Management Act, Local Government Act and public law generally, advising developers in ongoing commercial relationships with local and central government agencies and clients on available options including bonds, conservation and other covenants to satisfy planning conditions.

Matthew acts on major public and private sector infrastructure and development projects including electricity generation and transmission; commercial subdivision; and land acquisition and disposal and regularly provides opinions on complex property law issues. Matthew has published articles in academic and professional journals on public law, employment law, resource management and litigation topics.

Recent experience

Matthew has advised:

• NZ Transport Agency and a range of other Crown entities, on the Public Works Act, including land acquisition, legalisation, compensation, and disposal (including regulatory and Cabinet processes)
  
• NZTA on its property management portfolio including major commercial transactions relating to Transit’s assets
  
• Mighty River Power in acquiring property rights for its electricity generation and transmission projects including wind farms and geothermal power station developments
  
• Landco Group on the subdivision and sale of its developments at Mt Wellington and Albany
  
• NZ Transport Agency on relevant roading and public law legislation
  
• Rotorua District Council to conclude negotiations with landowners affected by the extension to the Rotorua Regional Airport runway, and
  
• on Māori land law issues and negotiating the acquisition of property rights over Māori land, including appearing in the Māori Land Court.