Profile
Jennifer specialises in resource management, environmental and local government law, with extensive experience as a strategic adviser and specialist litigator in the Environment Court, High Court and higher courts. She is a leading New Zealand lawyer advising on consent and designation projects and strategic planning processes.
In October 2017, Jennifer was instrumental in Buddle Findlay's appointment to the Supporting Growth Alliance, a five year programme of route protection for transport infrastructure to support Auckland's growth over the next three decades.
In February 2017, Jennifer was appointed Alliance Manager on the East West Link project in Auckland for the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. This role involved reporting to the Programme Alliance Board, leading the alliance management team (including performance management of discipline leads), monitoring and managing the project team against the budget, reviewing team performance against Key Result Areas (KRA) and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and leading the various alliance culture activities.
Before her appointment to the East West Link project, Jennifer provided extensive support to Auckland Council through the preparation of, consultation on and notification of the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan from 2013 to 2016 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.
Jennifer "has extensive experience before the Environment Court, acting for local government bodies, and health and energy sector entities."
Legal 500
- Appointed as an associate panel convener of the Fast-track Approvals regime
- Recognised by IFLR1000 as a women leader and highly regarded lawyer for project development
- National Executive Committee Member of the Resource Management Law Association (RMLA)
- Jennifer is listed as a 'leading individual' for environment and resource management by Chambers
Work highlights
Acting as Technical Quality and Legal Manager
on the Supporting Growth Alliance for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Transport
Acting as Legal Lead for the Airport to Botany Bus Rapid Transit Project
for Auckland Transport and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Advising NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
on the Papakura to Bombay SH1 improvements
Acting as Alliance Manager
for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on the East West Link project in Auckland
Advising Kāinga Ora-Homes and Communities
on the SDP process under the Urban Development Act 2020
Acting for Kāinga Ora-Homes and Communities
on intensification plan change processes undertaken by Auckland, Wellington and Kāpiti Coast councils