Consultant, Simpson Grierson

Jonathan is New Zealand’s foremost expert on local government structures, powers, and funding, bringing 35 years of experience in navigating major reforms and complex projects. He advises local authorities, government bodies, CCOs and (very occasionally) private sector clients on a wide range of issues including major projects, litigation, legislative drafting, and judicial reviews.

Jonathan was intensely involved with the structural and functional reform of local government in 1988-1990 as legal adviser to the National Transition Committee for Local Government Reform. Since then he has been involved with many major developments for local government as a principal legal adviser to LGNZ and Taituarā. He has also been a legal adviser to the Local Government Commission.

In addition to his advisory role, Jonathan mediates governance and restructuring matters, provides council training, and delivers governance workshops. Renowned for his strategic thinking, he has led legal teams on commercial initiatives within the local government sector.