Andrew front

Qualifications

LLB (Canterbury)

Dip Resources Studies (Lincoln)

Alternative contact

Stacey H front

Stacey Hickford

Andrew is the resource management principal at Cavell Leitch. He specialises in all aspects of resource management law.

Prior to joining Cavell Leitch, Andrew was the legal and research officer for the Environment Court in Christchurch where he gained and applied a comprehensive knowledge in, and experience of, issues relating to resource management law, and the processes of the Environment Court.

"I am passionate about understanding how the Resource Management Act is applied since it fundamentally affects the environment around us and our experiences of the law itself. 

  It is an area of law that affects everyone, whether they are aware of it or not.  My goal is to make it as easy as possible for those who must engage with the Act and deal with the people who regulate it.  That involves understanding the outcomes people want and how best to achieve them.  It also means understanding why things matter to people, to help them protect and achieve what is important to them."


Andrew has an expert understanding of the Resource Management Act (RMA), its procedures, related legislation, and how district and regional planning documents work.  He also has experience in advising on policy matters in the context of amendments to the RMA and regulations.  Andrew’s practice includes local government and public law.  He has acquired skills in these areas that complement his resource management background and has successfully applied those skills for the benefit of his clients.

Andrew is a member of the RMLA National Committee.

Our Expertise Quote 1

"Andrew is extremely approachable and responsive, which has enabled me to obtain timely legal and practical advice that I can rely on. He always makes sure he is clear on the advice being sought and that I understand the advice being given."

Victoria Caseley, (former District Plan Implementation manager, Waimakariri District Council, and current Consents Advisor for Ravensdow)

Recent work

  • Providing specialist resource management and local government advice, including opinions and both strategic and tactical advice
  • Advice on Public Works Act acquisition and compensation matters in relation to the Canterbury earthquakes and for roading projects
  • Has extensive experience in the Environment Court for private and Local Authority clients, including plan changes, plan reviews and resource consent appeals, enforcement and declaration proceedings, and prosecutions
  • Appearances in the High Court and Court of Appeal (e.g. North Canterbury Clay Target Association v Waimakariri District Council (CA); Millar v Ashburton District Council (HC))

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