Simon Berry is a specialist Environmental and Resource Management lawyer with more than 30 years’ experience. More than 20 years was spent as a partner in two major law firms followed by an extended period practising as a well-respected, specialist Environmental barrister.

“I like to work closely with my clients and key consultants so we can remove the “why nots?” in a project. A key objective is to get alongside the consent authority to address the substantive issues and agree, where possible, any conditions imposed. Sue shares my constructive approach towards submitters and key stakeholders and the view that a well constructed case at council level often results in avoiding an Environment Court hearing and sometimes removes the need, where feasible, for a council hearing. I’d characterise my approach as principled pragmatism and collaborative, working closely with clients and key stakeholders to achieve the best result.”

Simon’s skills have driven the success of a number of high profile cases in every aspect of Environmental and Resource Management Law, with his skill and success recognised by a number of industry awards. This has included leading multidisciplinary teams to obtain authorisations for major infrastructure and power projects such as Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, Waikato Pipeline, Kawerau Geothermal Power Station, Te Uku Wind Farm, Tauranga Wastewater and Hamilton water take, to name a few. As with most such projects, they were highly contentious and attracted Environment Court appeals, but Simon’s approach meant that substantive hearings before that court were not necessary.

As a specialist Environmental counsel, Simon regularly represents clients before Regional and District Councils and the Environment Court. He is frequently appointed to independent hearing commissions to hear and determine resource consent applications relating to the allocation and use of New Zealand’s resources.

Simon’s particular areas of expertise include:

• Electricity (generation and distribution/ transmission).
• Wastewater and waste (wastewater treatment plants, sanitary landfill facilities).
• Water (water takes, water supply, infrastructure and policy).
• Telecommunications (cell sites, cables, plan provisions).
• Industrial operators/oil industry (advice on environmental liability /hazardous substances, resource consents for discharges, service stations).
• Commercial and retail sector (supermarkets, shopping centres, office buildings).
• Forestry (regional plan provisions, processing facilities).
• Coastal and maritime (marinas, coastal facilities).

Education

• Bachelor of Law (Hons), University of Auckland

Experience

• Barrister – 2004-2012
• Partner, Minter Ellison Rudd Watts 1999-2004
• Partner, Russell McVeagh 1989-1999
• Environmental Law Team, Russell McVeagh 1982-1989 (including time as Solicitor, Norton Rose, London 1985-1986)

Email: simon@berrysimons.co.nz
Phone: 09 909 7315