Partner - Auckland
Nathan Speir
Nathan is a trusted advisor to the local government sector and a dispute resolution specialist.
Nathan is a trusted advisor to the local government sector and a dispute resolution specialist.
Expertise
About
Nathan's problem-solving skills are in demand by councils across Aotearoa New Zealand. He has a particular interest in those cases at the intersection of the built and natural environments and is a recognised thought leader to the building control industry.
Nathan has successfully resolved some of the most demanding commercial disputes, while continuing to prosecute an array of regulatory and civil litigation cases.
In 2023 he was appointed an Independent Director of Te Manawataki o Te Papa Limited, the Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) that was established to govern and lead the delivery of Tauranga's once in a generation civic precinct development.
Nathan began his legal career as a Crown prosecutor at MC, gaining significant court room and advocacy experience prosecuting serious crime in New Zealand's largest city. Following a successful career running two specialist legal firms, he returned to MC and joined the partnership in 2024.
Areas of interest:
- Civil litigation and dispute resolution
- Regulatory compliance and enforcement
- Building and construction law
- Local government issues
Recent Cases & Achievements
Solicitor-General’s Reference (No 1 of 22) - [2024] NZCA 514
Nathan assisted Tauranga City Council at all levels of this ground-breaking case that clarified the issue of criminal liability under s 40 of the Building Act 2004. The case stems from the “Bella Vista” saga involving a failed subdivision in Tauranga.
Cyclone Gabrielle Recovery Hawke’s Bay
Nathan continues to assist Hastings District Council, Napier City Council and Central Hawke’s Bay District Council as these councils return to consenting in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle. Nathan was instrumental in developing a protocol for consenting in categorised areas of Hawke’s Bay and has played a central role in engaging with a variety of stakeholders, including Central Government.
Credentials
LLM (Hons), University of Auckland
BA/LLB, University of Otago