Matthew Hill

Matthew is a senior associate in the firm’s planning and environment group. He specialises in local government law with a particular focus on local government funding and financing issues, including rates and development contributions.

Matthew’s experience includes advising local authorities on their consultation obligations, annual and long-term planning processes, rating and funding issues and commercial contracts. He regularly advises councils across the country on decision-making processes, conflicts of interest, council-controlled organisations (CCOs), local elections, official information (LGOIMA), delegations and bylaw issues.

Matthew has experience working in-house for the Crown, advising on a range of public law matters.

Examples of Work

• The Treasury - advice on the establishment of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020
• Porirua City Council:
  • advice on establishment of a commercial rates postponement scheme
  • advice on proposed funding options infrastructure repairs on private land
  • transactional work on private development agreements in relation to new residential subdivisions
• Greater Wellington Regional Council - advising on the structuring and establishment of a regional joint committee
• Taranaki Regional Council - advising on the Council’s consultation obligations and rating options in relation to a proposed $50 million repair and upgrade to the Yarrow Stadium
• Advised on consultation obligations, rating and process issues in relation to a major dam project
• Advising on local government decision-making processes and governance issues (including in relation to the Code of Conduct, Standing Orders and meetings generally)
• Advised on procedural and corporate structuring matters on a landfill joint venture between three local authorities
• Wellington City Council - Acted as junior counsel in successfully defending judicial review proceedings brought by Meridian Energy Limited in relation to the rating of Meridian’s windfarms
• Regular reviews of rates setting documents for councils across the country
• Assisting councils on rating matters including compliance with procedural requirements, resolving issues with validity of rates, and the treatment of non-rateable land
• Advice on CCO structuring and establishment, including consultation obligations
• Advising on local government re-organisation schemes
• Advising on bylaw issues including bylaw reviews and new bylaws (including freedom camping)
• Advises on conflicts of interest issues both under the Local Authorities (Members’ Interests) Act 1968 and the common law
• Regulatory due diligence