Environmental and Public Law expert.

Lachlan is a highly experienced barrister specialising in environmental and public law. He appears as senior counsel at all levels of the New Zealand Court system.

A skilled advocate with 30 years of litigation experience, Lachlan represents local authorities and regulators, public infrastructure providers, developers, Iwi and environmental interest groups. His litigation practice has a particular focus on environmental dispute resolution and legal challenges to administrative decisions of local authorities in New Zealand.

Contact
Lachlan wearing black suit, white shirt, burgundy tie, and black glasses standing against a plain dark background.
Industrial facility with pipes and machinery surrounded by grassy hills under clear sky at sunset.Aerial view of a river winding through a green landscape with construction activity near the riverbank at sunset.
Lachlan specialises in Environmental Law. He has led the environmental consenting strategy and advocacy for many large-scale land developments and public water and transport infrastructure projects.

He has also acted as senior counsel on many of the Waikato’s most significant recent plan changes, leading the establishment of policy settings and regulations addressing housing and business land supply, implementation of Central Government medium density residential housing standards, preservation of historic heritage and natural character, the management of natural hazards and flooding risks, and the restoration and protection of the Waikato River.

Lachlan also has extensive ‘Fast Track’ consenting experience as both a Panel Chair and legal advisor to expert Panels on Fast Track applications including the large scale urbanisation of the Drury township, electrification of rail between Pukekohe and South Auckland, consenting of wind and solar farms, and projects for the construction of the State Highway network and rapid transit links within Auckland. As an expert in urban planning, he is legal advisor to the Independent Hearing Panel for Auckland Council's Plan Change 120 addressing natural hazards and urban development densities.
Lachlan is a leading Public Law expert within the Local Government sector. He acts for a number of metropolitan local authorities in New Zealand and regularly represents Councils when their administrative decisions are subject to appeal or judicial review.

He holds particular litigation expertise in the more complex aspects of delivering public infrastructure, including funding and financing via development contributions and development levies. He acts for public bodies and land owners in relation to the powers of compulsory land acquisition for public infrastructure projects, and the associated land valuation compensation regime.

Lachlan is also an expert on New Zealand’s recent water infrastructure reforms, advising local authorities and newly established water organisations on the legal transition, and implementing environmental strategies under the new statutory framework and national standards. He is also a lead advisor to a number of local authorities on related RMA and local government reforms.
Lachlan is actively involved in improving knowledge and expertise within the legal and planning community. He is a founding member of the teaching faculty within the Ministry for the Environment’s ‘Making Good Decisions’ Certification programme. This programme provides hands on education and training to those seeking to qualify as an independent environmental commissioner. He is also a certified hearing commissioner. Lachlan is also committed to providing access to environmental justice, providing education opportunities for iwi, and providing representation for environmental non-profit groups.
Industrial facility with pipes and machinery surrounded by grassy hills under clear sky at sunset.
“As a newly established water organisation with an ambitious infrastructure investment programme, it is critical that IAWAI is expertly led through developing and implementing our environmental consenting strategy. Securing Lachlan as our lead environmental counsel was an important first step towards achieving our goals.”
Peter Winder, Chief Executive
IAWAI - Flowing Waters Limited, Waikato, New Zealand
Aerial view of a river winding through a green landscape with construction activity near the riverbank at sunset.
“I have worked with Lachlan over many years, he's an important strategic advisor to Hamilton City. As a fast growing city, Hamilton is dealing with complex challenges. It’s reassuring to have Lachlan there to guide us and represent the City’s interests. He’s a great advocate for the City and provides real strategic value.”
Lance Vervoort, CEO
Hamilton City Council, Waikato, New Zealand
Terraced rock face of an open-pit mine with industrial equipment and vehicles along a dirt road.
“As a global mining company we take environmental compliance extremely seriously. Lachlan has helped us set our strategy and has expertly guided Coeur through the New Zealand regulatory framework. He’s a critical part of the team.”
Jay Gear, Corporate Environmental Director
Coeur Mining, Chicago, IL, USA

A collaborative mindset.

Lachlan is supported by another barrister, Shaye Thomas. Shaye provides Lachlan with critical legal research, assists with evidence preparation, and often appears as junior counsel in hearings. Both Lachlan and Shaye also work closely with instructing solicitors and environmental consultants to deliver an integrated team approach to all litigation.

Contact
Lachlan and Shaye seated at a wooden conference table, looking at a laptop screen, with potted plants in the background.
Gold laurel wreath with text inside reading 'Recommended Doyles Environment 2021'.Gold laurel wreath with text inside reading 'Recommended Doyles Environment 2022'.Gold laurel wreath with text inside reading 'Recommended Doyles Environment 2025'.Golden laurel wreath surrounding the text 'DOYLES ENVIRONMENT 2026' in pink and gray.
New Zealand Bar Association logo with bilingual text in English and Maori.Logo of RMLA New Zealand, The Association for Resource Management Practitioners, featuring a stylized blue and green plant symbol with circular lines.