MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Corporate and Commercial - Technology

Special Counsel

Bianca is head of the firm's Property and Environment division and a resource management and environmental law specialist. She provides advice to both public and private sector entities on all aspects of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and related legislation.

Bianca is experienced in a broad range of development projects and environmental issues, including in the retail, commercial, industrial, infrastructure, aquaculture, forestry, agriculture, and energy sectors.

Working closely with companies such as Stride Property, Oyster, Southern Cross Healthcare, and Metlifecare Bianca advises on their nationwide property portfolios to obtain appropriate zoning and consents for major projects.

Bianca has also worked within the energy sector, having advised on the consenting process for windfarms, gas pipelines and geothermal projects across New Zealand.

Her clients value her knowledge of their business and her clear, commercial advice on resource consent and planning processes and strategy.

Bianca routinely advises and prepares submissions on district and regional plans. She has enabled numerous clients to achieve an uplift in zoning or area specific precinct controls to support development.

Experienced in the related fields of the Public Works Act and the Local Government Act, Bianca can help with public acquisition, development contributions and private development agreements. She provides clients with valuable continuity between Notice of Requirement and acquisition processes on significant infrastructure projects.

Clients also seek Bianca’s assistance with undertaking environmental due diligence. Her expertise in this area includes advising on the Overseas Investment Act (OIA), contaminated land liability, and drafting environmental warranties and indemnities.

Skilled at dispute resolution, Bianca regularly appears in complex cases before the Environment Court, High Court and Boards of Inquiry. Bianca also represents clients at mediation.

With a background in science, Bianca enjoys the technical side of her practice and is skilled at translating scientific concepts into plain English. Beyond her vast experience and technical skills, clients appreciate Bianca’s in-depth knowledge of their interests and objectives and her collaborative approach to solving problems and achieving desired outcomes. She partners with clients to positively shape New Zealand’s environment.