Jennifer specialises in planning, environmental and local government law. She is a strategic adviser and specialist litigator before the Environment Court, High Court and higher courts, and is recognised as a leading New Zealand lawyer on consenting, designation and strategic planning matters. Jennifer advises clients on consenting and approvals strategies under the Planning Act 2026 and Natural Environment Act 2026, including the transition from the Resource Management Act 1991.
In early 2025, Jennifer was appointed an Associate Panel Convener under the Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024 by the Minister of Infrastructure. Since 2023, Jennifer has been the Alliance Programme Director for Te Tupu Ngātahi Supporting Growth Alliance, a nine-year programme of route protection for transport infrastructure to support Auckland's growth over the next three decades resulting in 70 new designations being included in the Auckland Unitary Plan. Prior to this appointment Jennifer held the roles of Technical Quality and Legal Manager for the programme.
In February 2017, Jennifer was appointed Alliance Manager on the East West Link project in Auckland for the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
From 2013 to 2016, Jennifer provided extensive support to Auckland Council through the preparation of, consultation on and notification of the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan and led a legal team that was allocated principal responsibility for a range of topics through the Independent Hearings Panel process. She then represented Auckland Council on a range of High Court and Environment Court appeals.
Jennifer returned to Buddle Findlay in 2013, after five years as Legal Director with ALDAR Properties PJSC, the largest publicly listed property and infrastructure developer in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Her experience in-house and in private practice gives her unique insights into the efficient and effective provision of legal services to complex clients.
