English Planning Lawyers

We are working with a leading New Zealand national firm, highly regarded for its work in the energy and electricity sectors, as well as its strong reputation in major urban development and infrastructure projects.

The firm’s ranked Planning team advises on complex re-zoning proposals — from industrial, rural, or open-space land to high-intensity business or residential use — and on consenting major vertical developments (commercial, residential, hotel, and retirement projects) and large-scale infrastructure schemes. The team is also deeply involved in public consultation processes (plan changes, submissions on bills, etc.) and works closely with the Property team on major due diligence and plan review projects for significant commercial acquisitions.

Due to continued growth and strong client demand, the Planning team is seeking additional Associate or Senior Associate-level Planning lawyers to join its offices in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch.

New Zealand’s planning and environmental framework is currently governed by the Resource Management Act 1991, though a major reform programme is underway to introduce new planning and environmental legislation over the coming years. This period of change presents an exceptional opportunity for a UK-qualified lawyer to join a leading New Zealand firm and be involved in some of the country’s most significant development and infrastructure projects. Once trained in New Zealand law, you will have the opportunity to appear at council hearings and before the Environment Court (or equivalent), working alongside some of New Zealand’s top lawyers as the new regime takes shape.

Successful candidates will receive a top-of-market salary, sponsorship, and comprehensive relocation support for themselves and their families. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to relocate to New Zealand, join a leading practice, and play a key role in shaping the country’s evolving planning and environmental landscape.

Responsibilities

Advising on complex re-zoning proposals; consenting major vertical developments; working on large-scale infrastructure schemes; participating in public consultation processes; working with the Property team on due diligence and plan review projects; appearing at council hearings and before the Environment Court

Requirements

Qualification as a solicitor in a common law jurisdiction (most likely England & Wales or Australia, though applicants from other jurisdictions will also be considered); Between 3 and 10 years’ experience (including training, if applicable) in Planning and Environmental Law, ideally from a well-regarded firm; A strong academic and professional grounding, excellent drafting skills, and a practical, down-to-earth approach; Commercial acumen, resilience, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic and intellectually challenging environment; The confidence to engage comfortably with both clients and colleagues

Nice to have

Qualified in other common law jurisdictions beyond England & Wales; New Zealand-qualified lawyers especially encouraged

Benefits

Sponsorship; Comprehensive relocation support for self and family