Environment, Planning and Natural Resources

Partner

Allison's practice and considerable experience covers all aspects of resource management and local government law, with a particular focus on development and large-scale infrastructure projects, along with district and regional planning, and legislative reform and policy matters.

As well as her environmental and consenting expertise, she also provides expert advice to clients on a range of local government issues including development contributions and rates, the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, information disclosure and the role of local authorities in decision making. She is known for her 'big picture' outlook and has worked with some of New Zealand's biggest corporations. She regularly appears before Council hearing panels, the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority, the Environment Court, and the High Court.

Allison has been an elected member of Russell McVeagh's board continuously since 2018 and is currently the firm's Board Chair.  Prior to her role on the Board, she was the National Practice Group Chair for the firm's Environment, Planning and Natural Resources team. She joined Russell McVeagh in 2005 and was admitted to practise in New Zealand in 2003.

 Allison was named as one of NZ Lawyer's Most Influential Lawyer's 2021 in the Changemaker category.

Allison is the author of the Climate Change chapter in leading resource management textbook Environmental and Resource Management Law (7th Ed).

Resource Management Law Association and Global Women.

LLB (Hons First Class), Victoria University of Wellington.BA, Simon Fraser University, Canada.