Marine Law

Robert has significant expertise in the field of marine law.

In 2005, he was awarded a doctoral scholarship through the Maritime Institute, Ghent University, where he went on to complete his doctorate on the law of the sea. He remains a Research Fellow of the Maritime Institute and publishes under its name.

He is available as counsel in all New Zealand and international marine law proceedings. He has been counsel in a range of marine matters including port and marina development, seabed mining, coastal and flag state jurisdiction, limitation of liability, shipwreck abandonment, dumping and pollution, fisheries, and prosecutions.

Selected highlights

• Counsel for Fishers in Trans-Tasman Resources Ltd v Taranaki-Whanganui Conservation Board & Ors [2020] NZSC 67 (awaiting decision) (SC).
• Counsel for Fishers in Trans-Tasman Resources Ltd v Taranaki-Whanganui Conservation Board & Ors [2020] NZCA 86, (2020) 21 ELRNZ 700, [2020] NZRMA 248 (CA).
• Counsel for Fishers in Taranaki-Whanganui Conservation Board & Ors v Environmental Protection Authority [2018] NZHC 2217, [2019] NZRMA 64 (HC).
• Counsel for tangata whenua in (MV Rena abandonment proceedings) Ngāi Te Hapū v Bay of Plenty Regional Council [2017] NZENVC 073, 169, and 206 (EC).
• Counsel for Talley’s Group Limited in Kiwis Against Seabed Mining Inc v Environmental Protection Authority [2016] NZENVC 217 (EC).