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.