Emma Manohar LLB/BSc

General resource management

Providing advice and related representation at the Council, Environment Court and High Court level on a range of plan changes, resource consent applications and related proceedings, in Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough, Waikato,  Auckland, Queenstown and Christchurch. Experienced in alternative dispute resolutions, particularly mediation. 

Providing on-going advice to local authorities (both regional and territorial) on a range of matters under the Resource Management Act 1991, including plan implementation, interpretation and consenting issues. 

Plan Policy

Emma was a key member in developing the Wellington Regional Plan; a significant process involving over a year of Council hearings, 30 different appeals before the Environment Court, and over a year of Court assisted mediation. Relevant issues include the regulation of activities in the coastal environment, impacts on water quality, quantity and indigenous biodiversity, matters related to climate change and natural hazard management and response.

Requiring Authorities

Advising a range of clients on proposed development projects, including notices of requirement for both applicants, Councils and opponents. In addition to local authorities, key clients have included the Department of Corrections, KiwiRail, Air New Zealand, Transpower and Vector.

Emma was a key team member in successfully obtaining the environmental approvals, via direct referral, for the (then) billion dollar development of Waikeria Prison for the Department of Corrections. 

Environmental due diligence

Undertaking environmental due diligence reviews for large scale commercial transactions in a range of sectors including waste management, renewable energy and forestry.

Local government

Advising local government clients on a range of matters under the Local Government Act 2002 and related legislation. This includes official information, parking, bylaws and building issues. 

Emma also has experience acting for local authorities in civil claims before the District Court, High Court and Court of Appeal on a range of civil disputes including judicial reviews.

Certain of the above matters were handled by Emma prior to joining DLA Piper New Zealand.

• Public Decision Making Newsletter - Summer 2023, 21 March 2022
• Public Decision Making Newsletter - Winter 2022, 14 September 2022
• Public Decision Making Newsletter - Autumn 2022, 19 June 2022
• Public Decision Making Newsletter - Summer 2022, 4 April 2022
• Public Decision Making Newsletter - Spring 2021, 2 December 2021
• Exposure Draft of the Natural and Built Environments Bill released for consultation, 29 June 2021
• Public Decision Making Newsletter - Spring 2020, 23 September 2020
• Public Decision Making Newsletter - July 2020, 15 July 2020