Megan Exton

Megan works in all areas of environment and planning law, including planning and enforcement processes as well as obtaining approvals for large-scale infrastructure and development projects.

Megan has particular experience in the renewable energy, port and roading sectors and in consenting projects in coastal and freshwater environments. She has represented a wide range of clients in mediation and dispute resolution processes and has experience leading her own cases before the Environment Court and Council Commissioners.

Megan has a Bachelor of Science and has worked at Cawthron Institute’s Aquaculture Park, in relation to which she is an author on a research paper published in Aquaculture. Her background in science brings analytical and technical skills that she uses to navigate complex project work.

Auckland Transport and New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Advising Auckland Transport and NZTA on Te Tupu Ngātahi (the Supporting Growth Alliance), as part of the Alliance legal team, to obtain long term designations for the transport network required to service the next 30 years of Auckland’s growth.

Meridian
Advising on appeals on the proposed Waikato District Plan and proposed Wellington District Plan.

Transpower
Advising on appeals on the proposed Marlborough Environment Plan, including to ensure the correct application of national direction for the National Grid.

Overseas Investment advice
Conducting sensitive land checks for applications to the Overseas Investment Office.

Port Marlborough
Advising on appeals on the proposed Marlborough Environment Plan, to achieve appropriate consenting requirements for port operations.

Geothermal and hydro-electricity generation projects
Advising geothermal and hydro-electricity generators on planning and consenting matters around New Zealand, including multiple hydro reconsenting and new geothermal infrastructure projects.

Port projects
Advising a New Zealand port on planning and consenting matters, including air quality management and consenting a port expansion project, and appearing in the Environment Court as junior counsel.

Farming sector projects
Advising a fertiliser company on plan rules for farming activities and contaminant discharges, including appearing in the Environment Court as sole counsel.

Council projects
Advising territorial authorities on planning and consenting matters, including reconsenting a wastewater treatment plant with discharges to water for a 35-year term.