On 29 July 2025 the panel convener appointed the expert panel, with a commencement date of 16 September 2025. The panel consists of:
Chris Simmons (Chair)
Chris is a partner at the specialist environmental law firm ChanceryGreen. Chris is highly experienced in resource management and planning matters including resource consent applications, appeals, notices of requirement for designations, plan changes, and water conservation orders. He routinely advises on major infrastructure projects, as well as other forms of development, including commercial and residential. This has required numerous appearances at council hearings, in the Environment Court, and the High Court. He is experienced with related legislation, including the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 and the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012. Chris also provides strategy advice, including on legislative and policy reform, and has presented to Select Committees.
Chris is experienced with Fast-track legislation. He has chaired an expert consenting panel under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 and has facilitated expert caucusing on behalf of the Environmental Protection Authority for numerous Fast-track applications.
Chris has practiced environment law for 25 years and has been at ChanceryGreen since 2007.
Andrew Wilkinson (member)
Andrew is a consultant planner who has practised since 1998 in planning and resource management. He regularly provides planning advice to both the private sector and local authorities on development projects throughout the country. Andrew's experience includes the management of large or complex consent applications through Council and Environment Court processes and proceedings. Andrew has specialist skills and experience in subdivision and development, coastal planning projects, and other projects that are located in sensitive or rural receiving environments.
Andrew has been an accredited commissioner since 2018. He is currently on the panel of independent hearing commissioners for Auckland Council and the Far North District Council.
Martin Neale (member)
Martin Neale is a scientist and a Director at Puhoi Stour Limited. Martin has over 20 years’ experience in the areas of: aquatic science, in particular freshwater systems; application of scientific information to the management of the natural environment; terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments.
Martin has led and coordinated a wide range of environmental research and monitoring projects in roles in government, research institutes and consultancy, including as an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Auckland since 2012.
He has been a member of many expert panels for the Ministry of the Environment including National Objectives Framework (NOF) expert group member (periphyton and invertebrates). Martin has been an independent commissioner for Auckland Council since 2024, although he has been an accredited commissioner since 2019.