What does this event cover
Preparing a LIM isn’t always straightforward. Councils are increasingly being asked to make judgement calls about what information should be included, what can be summarised or signposted elsewhere, and how to make decisions that are both legally robust and practical when records are incomplete, historic or open to interpretation.
Drawing on issues raised through Taituarā discussion groups, Simpson Grierson will share the latest legal and risk perspectives on current LIM practice, helping you better understand your obligations while balancing customer expectations, operational realities and legal risk.
The session will acknowledge the October 2025 natural hazards changes where relevant, but the focus is broader LIM practice, legal risk, disclosure, defensibility and practical decision-making. Topics will include owner-builder exemptions, small stand-alone dwellings, building consent plans, distinctions between council records, charging, cancellations, refunds, and records management.
You’ll also hear directly from Tauranga City Council about its current approach to presenting information about small stand-alone dwellings in LIMs, including its use of a structured table, how that information sits alongside building permit and building consent tables, and the practical considerations involved in developing an approach that is still evolving.
Every council’s records, systems and risk appetite are different, so this session isn’t about prescribing a single solution. Instead, you’ll gain practical insights to help you make informed, defensible decisions that work for your council.
By attending, you’ll:
- Better understand the legal and risk considerations that underpin LIM decisions.
- Gain practical guidance on deciding what belongs in a LIM, what can be summarised, and what should be signposted through the property file.
- Explore approaches to common challenges including owner-builder exemptions, small stand-alone dwellings, building consent plans and customer expectations.
- Learn from a real council example that demonstrates one practical way to present complex property information.
- Leave with ideas you can use to review and strengthen your own LIM processes, records management and customer communications.
Programme overview
Your facilitators and guest speakers
Judith Cheyne
Judith is an experienced senior associate who specialises in local government law and related regulatory issues.
She advises Council clients on all aspects of decision-making, bylaws and policy development, roading and three waters issues, as well as rating and planning requirements. She also has significant experience with local government regulatory issues, including advising on Building Act, Dog Control, Sale and Supply of Alcohol, and Official Information and Privacy for a wide range of clients. Judith also provides advice on statutory interpretation and assists clients with submissions on Parliamentary Bills.
After working in-house at Christchurch City Council for several years Judith brings a practical and plain language approach to her local government advice. She works alongside her clients to deliver pragmatic, timely solutions.
Judith was a former author of Brookers Building Law. She is a member of the Canterbury Women’s Legal Association.
Mike Wakefield
Mike is a partner in Simpson Grierson’s environment and planning group, based in Wellington. He specialises in local government and environmental law, with a particular focus on the regulatory functions and processes of local government (including under the RMA), and decision-making and governance obligations and requirements. He regularly represents local authorities in relation to RMA matters (including before the higher courts) and has appeared before many other specialist tribunals and council hearings on specific strategic and regulatory matters.
Wayne Forlong
Wayne Forlong is the Team Leader for LIMs and Property Files at Tauranga City Council and has over 11 years of experience in local government. He specialises in the statutory delivery of Land Information Memoranda (LIMs) and has contributed to national regulatory guidance, sector working groups, and industry discussions on LIM practice. Wayne has led the implementation of significant legislative and operational changes, with a focus on providing clear, accurate, and practical property information to customers. He is currently leading reviews of how building and development information is presented within LIMs, including approaches to managing complex consent and compliance information. His work combines regulatory expertise with a strong focus on customer experience, risk management, and continuous improvement.
Philip Shackleton
Philip joined Taituarā in September 2025, as Principal Advisor, Sector Readiness.
He brings over 20 years of experience, and relationships in local government and the public sector.
His career includes 10 years in senior roles with councils and more recently 7 years as Principal Policy Advisor with Local Government New Zealand. He has most recently worked in leadership roles at Waka Kotahi and at EECA where he was Development Lead in the Standards and Regulations Team. Philip’s expertise includes policy development, regulatory analysis, stakeholder management, and project and programme delivery.
In his role as Principal Advisor, Sector Readiness, Philip is committed to supporting the Sector Readiness Team develop tools and resources that help the sector prepare for and successfully implement new legislation and policies.
