News

Keep updated with the latest from us.
Case Brief: Hart v Marlborough District Council [2025] NZHC 47
March 11, 2025
The High Court confirmed local authorities do not carry the Crown’s Treaty duties, other than where specifically statutorily prescribed. The judicial review application by trustees of Te Rūnanga a Rangitāne o Wairau Trust, the legal representative of the Rangitāne o Wairau iwi (“Rangitāne”), as against the Marlborough District Council (“MDC”), was dismissed.
Statement regarding letter sent on behalf of Inflection Point NZ
February 26, 2025
Franks Ogilvie has become aware of a political action campaign against Franks Ogilvie and Director Stephen Franks following a letter sent on behalf of a firm client, Inflection Point NZ.
Case Brief: Thorndon Quay Collective Inc v Wellington City Council [2024] NZCA 316
February 25, 2025
Thorndon Quay Collective Incorporated ("TQC") successfully secured a declaration that Wellington City Council ("WCC") failed to properly consider all reasonable options when making a decision to reconfigure angle parking to parallel parking on Thorndon Quay, as required by the Local Government Act 2002 ("LGA").
Case brief: Tuna v Te Urewera Board [2023] NZHC 3680
January 29, 2025
A member of Tuhoe successfully challenged a decision to demolish a number of huts in Te Urewera.
Case brief: Te Runanga O Ngati Whatua v Kaipara District Council 2024 NZHC 3889
January 23, 2025
The High Court declined Te Runanga O Ngati Whatua’s application to judicially review the Kaipara District Council’s decision to disestablish its Māori Ward. The key issue was whether the Council was required to consult with local iwi and hapū before making the decision.
Case brief: Houkura Independent Māori Statutory Board v Auckland Council [2024] NZHC 2623
January 14, 2025
A decision by a local authority to appoint a chair for a major council-controlled organisation was unlawful for failure to consider the relevance of knowledge of tikanga Māori.
Explainer: Māori Wards
November 18, 2024
As part of the coalition agreements with ACT and NZ First, the Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2024 (“Amendment Act”) was passed. This reintroduces the requirement that local government hold public polls to establish Māori Wards and Constituencies rather than being able to establish them by resolution.
Tasman District Council v Buchanan [2024] NZCA 133
November 10, 2024
A husband and wife were unsuccessful in claiming against a local authority for a mistaken assurance that their pool complied with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 (“FOSPA”).
Case brief: Minister for Children v Waitangi Tribunal [2024] NZHC 391 Skerret-White v Minister for Children [2024] NZCA 160
November 5, 2024
In late 2023, the coalition government between the National, ACT and New Zealand First took office. The National/ACT coalition agreement stated that the Government would repeal s 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989. The repeal policy originated with ACT and ACT MP Karen Chhour became the Minister for Children.

Give the team a call

We’re likely to know who makes the decisions, why, and how politics or the law can compel you or trip you up.
If it takes less than 20 minutes we rarely charge.
There are not many specialist public lawyers. Even fewer have commercial experience. We start and end with commercial interests at heart.

Contact Us

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Contact information
Level 5
Wakefield House
90 The Terrace
Wellington 6011
PO Box 10388
The Terrace
Wellington 6143
Main: +64 4 815 8050
Email: info@franksogilvie.co.nz