Sarah Scott

Practice Areas

Sarah specialises in environmental law and consenting of projects, leading Simpson Grierson’s South Island practice.

She has an in-depth understanding of all environmental regimes, and in particular extensive experience in infrastructure and urban development projects, alongside strategic planning and policy work. Her practice covers all RMA matters including enforcement, regulatory work, local government law and due diligence investigations. She also acts for local authorities in defending consent appeals and judicial reviews.

Sarah’s consenting experience is extensive and varied, ranging from transmission and distribution lines, property development including new residential areas and hotels, water take/discharge permits, gold mines, and experience under the various consenting pathways available including under the Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024. Infrastructure clients currently include Port Otago Ltd and Transpower New Zealand Ltd.

In the strategic planning and policy space, Sarah has been the primary legal advisor to the councils involved in two of the most litigious plan reviews in New Zealand, being for Queenstown Lakes District Council, and Christchurch City Council following the earthquakes. Both processes have resulted in extensive litigation including up to the Court of Appeal. Sarah has also been involved in many other policy processes across the country, for various submitters such as for Ngāi Tahu, property developers and infrastructure providers.

Professional Memberships

Member of the Resource Management Law Association