Natalie Summerfield
Senior Lawyer
Partner
|
Auckland
Bio
Natalie Summerfield specialises in resource management, environment and planning law. She has particular experience in helping clients navigate their projects through the Fast-track Approvals Act regime.
Nat acts for public sector, property developers and corporate clients on consenting for large-scale infrastructure projects and property developments, drawing on her broader transport, property and local government experience to provide practical, strategic solutions. Her experience includes advising government agencies on major infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on State highways, local roading and public transport projects. She provides expert support for clients completing commercial contracts and due diligence investigations. Nat works closely with in-house counsel, project managers, planners and technical experts in order to understand the project outcomes sought.
Nat has extensive experience in regional and district plan reviews and then draws on this to advise clients on the use and development opportunities for their properties. She also provides strategic advice to help clients minimise and ideally avoid Resource Management Act prosecutions and can represent them in defending proceedings.
Nat is an accredited hearings commissioner, a member of the Resource Management Law Association and a committee member of the Women’s Infrastructure Network Auckland Chapter.
Recognition
Qualifications
- LLB, BSc - University of Auckland
- Admitted in New Zealand - 2009
Work highlights
- Advised a large quarry operator on its substantive Fast-track Approvals Act application.
- Acted for a large industrial client on the reconsenting of its existing manufacturing operations in Auckland.
- Acted for an international developer on a large-scale 19-hole golf course and resort complex in Auckland.
- Acted for a large housing providers on residential developments in Auckland, Hastings and Kāpiti.
- Advised a large housing provider on the implementation of the National Policy Statement – Urban Development and Intensification Streamlined Planning Process planning workstreams in Auckland, Wellington and Kāpiti.
- Advised Auckland Transport and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on Te Tupu Ngātahi Supporting Growth Alliance for the Airport to Botany Bus Rapid Transit Network.
- Acted for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on several projects including the Longswamp and Hamilton Bypass sections of the Waikato Expressway, Northern Corridor Improvements, Te Puna Memorial Hall designation and other state highway projects.
- Advised NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on the Auckland Unitary Plan and Thames-Coromandel District Plan.
- Advised a major retirement village provider on resource to consent applications for retirement village developments.
- Acted for government agencies and private developers on plan changes across the Auckland and Waikato regions.
- Acted on behalf of private clients on Resource Management Act prosecutions and enforcement matters in the Environment Court.
