Jason has developed a particular focus on the energy sector, infrastructure projects, and large scale development proposals. He has successfully consented some of this country’s most challenging and complex projects. His work has spanned a wide variety of industry sectors including electricity generation, coastal developments, pulp and paper, forestry and primary industries.
Jason is an expert adviser in Liquor Licensing and sale of liquor matters.
NOTABLE EXPERIENCE
Acting for one of the largest electricity generators for its 504MW coastal windfarm located on the west coast of Waikato. The comlexities of the application together with its sheer size presented particular challenges. Despite that, the Board of Inquiry granted consent to all 168 turbines and confirmed transmission infrastructure resulting in the largest (by MW) consented renewable energy project since Benmore
Counsel for a major national electricity generator in respect of its 200MW Mahinerangi Windfarm in Otago, which included successfully defending an appeal to the Environment Court and confirmation of all 100 turbines
Lead counsel for a new 46MW hydro-electric power scheme proposed on the west coast of the South Island which involved successfully defending Environment Court challenges to the scheme's residual flow
Counsel for New Zealand's principal steel manufacturer and recycler in obtaining discharge to air consent for the continued operation of a significant steel manufacturing plant
Successfully consenting the Deep Stream hydro-electric power scheme in Otago
Appearing before district and regional councils and the Environment Court for the re-consenting of a range of significant hydro-electric power schemes in Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Otago and Southland
Acting for a development trust on its proposed coastal community and resort. The trust is a joint venture vehicle for private development and iwi interests concerned to utilise lands returned as part of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement with the Crown
Acting for a major developer in all planning and environmental matters associated with the Omaha South residential coastal subdivision, golf course, commercial retail development and waste water treatment plant upgrade. The development relied upon the adoption of a comprehensive plan change, and on an extensive suite of resource consents processed on a non-notified basis
Advising on the application of the Public Works Act and Overseas Investment Act in the context of securing interests in land necessary for a 93MW capacity increase, and 220Kv transmission line extension, for a major existing windfarm
Acting for New Zealand’s only fuel refining company in relation to the strategic and planning issues associated with an expansion required to meet new Government fuel specifications
Advising an international pulp and paper manufacturer on environmental issues associated with its mills, effluent treatment plant, and associated processing sites and discharges
Assisting a major national industrial corporate with the re-consenting of its pulp mill and associated discharges in an environmentally sensitive area
Acting for a variety of clients, including private equity interests, on acquisitions and divestments in the context of due diligence investigations and environmental audits
Advising on the legal and strategic aspects of three co-generation electricity plants with capacities of 110, 180 and 250 MW respectively
Auditing and advising on Environmental Management Systems for a number of significant multinational corporations
Providing liquor licensing advice and ongoing training to the country’s largest entertainment and hospitality provider, and to a range of other commercial interests including international airline operators, cinemas, hotel operators and wine merchants
PRACTICE AREAS
Environment
Major Projects
Infrastructure Development
Liquor Licensing