Heather Ash
Heather is a partner and heads the firm's local government and environment group in Auckland.
Heather 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.
Heather 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 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.
- Chambers Asia-Pacific Public Law 2017 - Leading Lawyer
- Asia Pacific Legal 500 Projects & Resource Management 2016 - Recommended Lawyer
Examples of Work
- Auckland Council - general strategic advice on the proposed Auckland Unitary Plan and representing Council in the hearings process and now High Court and Environment Court appeals
- Christchurch City Council - advising on the proposed Christchurch Replacement District Plan (rural section)
- Auckland City Council, Waitakere City Council, and Franklin District Council - district plan reviews and dealing with appeals for over 20 years for these former councils, including structure plans for Pukekohe Hill, Oratia and Swanson and rural subdivision
- Tauranga City Council - advising on resolution of 51 appeals on the proposed district plan review
- Tauranga City Council - advising on the resource consent for the Southern Wastewater Pipeline under Tauranga Harbour
- Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 - assisted Waitakere City Council, Rodney District Council and Auckland Regional Council to develop unique legislation to protect and manage the nationally significant heritage area
- Infrastructure projects, including the Watercare pipeline, Pokeno quarry and Genesis wind farm for the former Franklin District Council
Other Credentials
- Auckland Women Lawyers' Association - Member, and former committee member
- New Zealand Planning Institute - Affiliate member
- Resource Management Law Association - Member
- University of Auckland Faculty of Law - Guest lecturer
- Simpson Grierson Diversity Committee - Chair