Rachel Boyte
Mount Maunganui
Summary
A demonstrated achiever with over 15 years' experience in environmental, resource management, and local government law and policy.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Counsel
Bay Of Plenty Regional Council
06.2020 - Current
- Acting for and advising Council on a range of policy and planning matters, including Changes 5 and 6 to the RPS; appeals on the Regional Pest Management Plan under the Biosecurity Act, and in the Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty Enabling Housing plan changes
- Input into national policy direction and reform, eg Regional Council’s submission on the RMA reform legislation and presenting to the Select Committee.
- Advising on resource consent matters and representing Regional Council as consent authority in consent appeals.
- Advising on Treaty Settlement legislation, including Ngāti Rangitihi Claims Settlement Act 2022 and the Te Whanau a Apanui Deed of Settlement.
- Representing Council in the priority applications under the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act.
- Advising Rivers and Drainage, eg on the Safeguard our Stopbanks project and gravel extraction consents.
- Advice on civil judicial review risks, including appearing for Council in judicial review proceedings relating to Council’s withdrawal of proposed Plan Change 9
- Advising on regulatory compliance and enforcement.
- Providing advice in relation to LGOIMA and privacy issues, maritime transport, emergency management, biosecurity, bylaws, contaminated land, and governance arrangements.
Associate
Cooney Lees Morgan
09.2013 - 06.2020
- Acting for Regional Council in relation to consent applications, in the Rena; Matatā wastewater treatment plant; Kopeopeo Canal remediation project, Kaituna River re-diversion.
- Acting for and providing advice to local authorities on a range of planning and policy matters, eg BOPRC on Changes 2 and 3 to the RPS, the Regional Coastal Environment Plan, Plan Changes 9, 10, 13 and 17; and Western Bay of Plenty District Council in relation to Plan Change 46 - Matakana Island, Opotiki District Council on its full plan review (resolved all appeals by consent).
- Advising on local government issues, including conflicts of interest and council functions and structures and providing training to incoming Councillors in relation to such issues.
- Acting for the Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust in respect of their appeal against consent applications by Eastland Port Limited.
Solicitor
Russell McVeagh
11.2011 - 08.2013
- Environmental due diligence
- Advising on Public Works Act issues, eg realignment of the Vector Gas Kapuni pipeline in Taranaki.
- Reviewing and advising on provisions of RMA planning documents and related legislation, including on the ongoing resource management reforms and wider national policy.
- Representing various clients in relation to resource consent applications, including Fonterra, Watercare, and Dow Agrosciences.
- Providing legal advice to members of the community at the Mangere Community Law Centre.
Environmental Advisor
Trustpower Limited
01.2008 - 01.2011
Assistant Language Teacher
Japan Exchange And Teaching
01.2006 - 01.2008
Education
Certificate in Te Ara Reo Māori Levels 2 and 4 -
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
2016
Admission To The High Court of New Zealand
2012
Bachelor of Arts - Public Policy
Victoria University
2007
LLB - Law
Victoria University
2007
Skills
Ability to successfully interact with people from all cultures and levels within the community and organisation
In-depth understanding of environmental, resource management, and local government law and policy and how to apply this knowledge in practice
Detailed working understanding of local government structures and functions
Collaborative and collegial working style with a desire and ability to exchange knowledge and ideas within a team environment
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, and an ability to think laterally about solutions
Skilled at learning new concepts quickly, working well under pressure, and communicating ideas clearly and effectively
Ability to offer strategic advice to suit the audience
Excellent written and oral skills including legal writing for regulatory and court proceedings and experience presenting at conferences, meetings, mediations, and before hearing panels and courts
Accomplishments
- 2023 Finalist for ILANZ Public In-house Lawyer of the Year.
- 2022 Recipient of Supreme Kekewai Award for Bay of Plenty Regional Council
- 2016 Completed NZLS CLE Litigation Skills Programme.
- 2007 Awarded Civil Service Institute Prize in Public Policy and Public Administration (Top student) from Victoria University.
Timeline
Legal Counsel
Bay Of Plenty Regional Council
06.2020 - Current
Associate
Cooney Lees Morgan
09.2013 - 06.2020
Solicitor
Russell McVeagh
11.2011 - 08.2013
Environmental Advisor
Trustpower Limited
01.2008 - 01.2011
Assistant Language Teacher
Japan Exchange And Teaching
01.2006 - 01.2008
Certificate in Te Ara Reo Māori Levels 2 and 4 -
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Admission To The High Court of New Zealand
Bachelor of Arts - Public Policy
Victoria University
LLB - Law
Victoria University
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