David McGregor

As a legal adviser to the Auckland Regional Council over many years, David has advised on key resource management issues related to the region's strategic planning and infrastructure and in particular its transport needs.

He was a member of the Auckland Transport Action Group responsible for the Cabinet initiative resulting in the Local Government (Auckland) Amendment Act 2004 and an inaugural member of the Land Transport Safety Authority.

David is an Independent Planning Commissioner who has chaired hearings over the V8 street race application, Eden Park extensions, and heritage zoning proposals for Auckland City Council.

David has a distinguished record of leadership in the defence forces and community. Throughout his legal career, he has had extensive involvement with the New Zealand armed forces, retiring as Brigadier in 1994. He is a Judge of the Court Martial Appeal Court and Chairman of the War Pensions Appeal Board. David also plays an active role in several community trusts, including as Chairman of the Ranfurly Trust and Vice Chairman of the Te Araroa Trust (the National Walkway). He has been appointed a member of the Order of the British Empire.

Chambers Global 2009 names David as "the firm's leading public law expert", while the 2008 edition notes he is "a hugely experienced adviser on local and central government matters", and a "respected adviser on a broad range of wider public law issues".

In the ALB Guide: Environment Law 2009 David’s clients and peers say he is professional and down-to-earth, providing sound advice on a number of planning legislative environment matters. His familiarity with his clients' businesses and way of working mean he is able to "point out matters arising that they should note".

David is the long-standing general counsel and adviser to the New Zealand wine industry and works with the New Zealand Winegrowers on many strategic and operational resource management and environment issues.