Rachael
Zame

I have been practising in the field of resource management and environmental law for more than 15 years both in the New Zealand and the UK. I also specialise in local government law and civil litigation. I joined the team at Cooney Lees Morgan in 2009. 

My practice commenced in the Resource Management team at Chapman Tripp in Auckland, before moving to London and working in-house for two London local authorities as a planning and liquor licencing specialist.  I then joined London city firm Mischon de Reya as a planning lawyer, acting for private developers, financial institutions and high net-worth individuals.

At Cooney Lees Morgan I regularly advise local authorities and private clients in relation to a wide range of matters including planning, consenting, regulatory and environmental issues. I have been involved in advising local authorities and private clients on appeals and consenting matters on a wide range of matters including harbour dredging, wastewater treatment schemes, MV Rena, cultural issues relating to a significant earthworks application, stopbanks and landfills.

I have also been involved in appeals against statutory planning documents including regional policy statements, district and regional plans, particularly in relation to air quality and water quality (nutrient management).  I have a particular interest in freshwater, 3 waters infrastructure, and climate change and sustainability matters. 

I also act for a number of private clients, including individuals in relation to litigation and dispute resolution matters, and have previously acted for a number of quasi-governmental agencies, including roading and airport authorities; private developers, financial institutions, infrastructure providers and high net-worth individuals. 

I have been admitted to practice in both New Zealand (2003) and England and Wales (2008).  I am a member of the New Zealand Law Society’s Climate Change Law Subcommittee (established 2022) and a committee member of the Bay of Plenty Branch of ALGA (Australasian Land and Groundwater Association). 

Outside of work I enjoy running, hiking in the bush, and spending time at the beach with our three girls.