People

Philip Maw

Partner

Environment & Planning and Local Government

Recognised as a leader in his field by The Legal 500 2024 and 2025, Chambers and Partners 2024 and 2025, and Doyle’s Guide legal directories. Listed in Best Lawyers NZ 2024. NZ Law Awards 2022 Excellence Awardee, Managing Partner of the Year (≤100 Lawyers). Wynn Williams Board member.

T +64 3 379 7622 M +64 21 155 2172

Specialist areas of practice

  • Freshwater management
  • Local government strategy and advisory
  • Natural resource and environmental management

Philip is a partner in the local government and environment and planning teams. Widely recognised for his expert advice in relation to natural resource, environment and local government law, he is also highly respected for his leadership and expertise in the freshwater management space.

As lead legal advisor to Environment Canterbury and Environment Southland, Philip understands the complexities associated with achieving strategic outcomes within the confines of the law better than many. He also well understands the importance of building relationships with key stakeholders and with governance. He has led the development of the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan and the proposed Southland Water and Land Plan and advised Regional Councils on all stages of plan development, resource consenting, water conservation orders, judicial review and declaration proceedings; including most recently Otago Regional Council on called in freshwater plan changes of national significance.

A highly skilled advocate, Philip regularly appears on appeals to the Environment Court, High Court and Court of Appeal.