Expertise
Environmental law
Protecting the environment and your business
Today, any organisation can find itself under intense scrutiny – both from regulators and from its customers – for the impact its work has on New Zealand’s natural resources and environment. Ford Sumner’s experienced environmental lawyers will protect your organisation and its reputation by ensuring you comply with all relevant legislation and standards.
From advising on impact assessments, to preparing applications for resource consents, to resolving disputes, we will support you with our in-depth knowledge of environmental regulation and governance plus a pragmatic eye for the success of your projects.
Our team will help you work through the complexities of shifting resource-management legislation and the environmental challenges specific to your industry. Proactive by nature, we will help you identify and mitigate risks, and give you confidence that you’re meeting your regulatory obligations as you move ahead with your projects.
Expert advice on compliance with environmental regulations
From preparing resource consent applications to advising on impact assessments and dispute resolution, we provide comprehensive environmental legal services.
We help you navigate the complexities of resource management legislation, offering clear legal advice on how to meet regulatory obligations without compromising your project’s viability.
Our proven track record in managing environmental compliance matters ensures you’ll have the support you need—no matter how challenging the requirements.
We’ll work with you to develop strategies for:
Resource consents and impact assessments
We will help you secure the necessary approvals and ensure your projects meet the relevant environmental standards.
Compliance frameworks and policies
We will develop guidelines and procedures for your business that are clear, comprehensive and consistent with current legislation and best practices.
Governance and oversight
We design decision-making structures that respect both legal obligations and ethical concerns.
Regulatory investigations
Providing expert representation and guidance if you face audits, enforcement actions, or legal disputes.
Ongoing monitoring and training
We equip your team with the knowledge and tools to stay compliant as environmental regulations evolve.
Updating your policies and documentation
We make sure your environmental policies and documents keep up to date with legal and regulatory changes, so that you continue to be compliant across all your operations.
We understand that navigating Environmental Law can be both intricate and time-consuming. You don’t have to tackle it alone. Reach out to our team for clear, practical solutions that help you stay compliant while achieving your sustainability goals.
Meet the environmental law team
Led by our firm’s founders Jaesen Sumner and Mark Ford, our team brings an integrated understanding of both environmental and corporate law. This means we can address every angle of your project or operation – minimising risks and maximising opportunities for you.
Jaesen Sumner
Sarah Churstain
Mark Ford
Jordan Todd
How to Get Started
If you’re ready to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and thrive in an increasingly regulated world, start by reaching out to Ford Sumner Lawyers.
We’ll arrange an initial consultation to understand your needs and chart a clear path forward.
Contact us to discover how our specialist approach to environmental legal services can help you build a more sustainable, successful future.
News and insights
Environmental Law: Legal updates and case studies
At Ford Sumner, we are a committed part of New Zealand’s business sector and local communities. We keep a watchful eye for relevant legislative and regulatory changes, and we regularly write and share updates on what these changes will mean in practice for our clients.
So check in regularly with this part of our website, and subscribe to our newsletters.
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