Jonathan is the leader of Simpson Grierson's Local Government and Environment Law Group in Wellington.

He is one of New Zealand's foremost experts on the structures, processes and funding of local government.  Throughout his career he has advocated for local government interests, through periods of dramatic reform and on specific major projects.

Jonathan primarily acts for local authorities and their organisations (including Local Government New Zealand and the Society of Local Government Managers), but also, as appropriate, for those dealing with, or regulating for, local government (for example the Local Government Commission and the Office of the Auditor-General).  He is sought out by private sector and governmental bodies looking to joint venture with local authorities.

Over 25 years, Jonathan's practice has been built on strong personal relationships throughout the local government sector, a deep understanding of detail as well as strategic direction, and a commitment to achieving successful outcomes.

Jonathan's team is geared to advise on and assist with the day to day processes of a local authority, as well as major projects, litigation and reforms.  Particular subject matters include the interpretation of legislation, the development of statutory plans and policies, statutory compliance, consultation, constitutional procedures, elections, meetings, official information and privacy, financial management, rating, funding of infrastructure, and reorganisation, formation, monitoring and divestment of council controlled organisations.

He is experienced in lobbying, drafting and promoting legislation, and in judicial review proceedings.

• New Plymouth District Council's proposal to facilitate the return of council land at Waitara to tangata whenua and consequent legal action brought by the Waitara Leaseholders Association
• The development and implementation of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 and the Local Government Act 2002 for Local Government New Zealand
• Woolworths v Wellington City Council case on challenges to local authority rating for Local Government New Zealand in the Court of Appeal
• Representative on Hutt City Council's executive management group for the $60m Hutt Valley Wastewater Project
• Strategic adviser on the sale of New Plymouth District Council's controlling interest in Powerco Ltd
• Rodney District Council and Others v Valuer General, declaration proceedings in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Privy Council successfully upholding the Councils' position on the apportionment of properties for rating purposes

• SGS Reports to the Ministry for the Environment on "mechanisms for managing urban change" - Legal Adviser and Peer Reviewer
• Local Government KnowHow projects on rating and local authority decision making - Legal Adviser
• Brookers' Guide to the Local Government Act 2002 and Thomson's Local Government Law in New Zealand - Principal Author
• National Transition Committee for Local Government Reform - A New Century for Local Government - Author of several papers
• Office of the Auditor General's Report on consultation in local government - Author
• Department of Internal Affairs' Report on local authorities' existing powers and responsibilities to deliver water and wastewater services - Author