Heather Ash

Leaders in Law endorses Heather Ash as our exclusively recommended Dispute Resolution Law expert in New Zealand. If you wish to get in touch with Heather please use the contact information provided above.

Heather is a partner and heads the firm’s local government and environment group in Auckland. She specialises in all areas of resource management and environmental law, with a particular focus on the development and implementation of district plans. This includes providing advice in the areas of strategic growth planning, management of the rural environment and natural resources, urban intensification, and subdivision. She is widely regarded for her expertise in plan development. She also advises a range of clients on their responsibilities under the Resource Management Act, including designations and large infrastructure projects.

Heather has extensive advocacy experience and regularly appears on appeals under the Resource Management Act on resource consents and district plans in the Environment Court, as well as proceedings in the High Court. Heather has also participated in many successful mediations, particularly resolving appeals on district plans.

Heather Ash led the Simpson Grierson team advising Auckland Council on the new Unitary Plan for the Auckland region – the first ever combined regional policy statement, regional plan and district plan for Auckland. This was the largest and most complex planning document to be undertaken in New Zealand. It will ensure Auckland meets the economic and housing needs of a growing population not only for the city but for New Zealand.