Rice Speir: Local Government Law & Regulatory Compliance Experts

Rice Speir is a specialist local government law firm recognised and sought after for their expertise in regulatory, governance, civil litigation, infrastructure funding, property, and climate change law. The firm works exclusively with local government, providing expert and innovative advice to councils across Aotearoa New Zealand. Their approach centres on he tāngata – the people and relationships – taking time to listen, understand context, and deliver practical, well-considered solutions that support councils and the communities they serve.

The firm's comprehensive expertise spans regulatory compliance and enforcement across various local government legislation including the Building Act 2004, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, Resource Management Act 1991, Dog Control Act 1996, and Local Government Act 2002. They provide trusted advice on building law, resource management and environmental matters, local government and public law, alcohol licensing, and civil litigation. Rice Speir is particularly recognised as a market leader in defending councils in building defect and weathertightness litigation, having successfully managed hundreds of multi-party claims.

Rice Speir's team operates as an extension of their clients' teams, offering a proactive, future-focused approach that helps resolve issues before they become problems. They are mobile and agile, working across New Zealand and taking pride in being accessible wherever their clients are located. The firm supports decisions that reduce risk, protect public interest, and deliver positive and sustainable outcomes for communities, with collaboration sitting at the heart of how they work.