Helen has significant experience in all aspects of Environmental and Resource Management Law, having practised in the area since her admission in 1999. She has previously worked in the resource management teams of two top-tier New Zealand law firms, and another boutique environmental law firm.

“With a geography background, I was committed to specialising in the resource management/environment law area from the start of my career. Achieving optimum outcomes for both clients and the environment, and getting to work with multi-disciplinary teams across many industries, are two of the most rewarding aspects of my work”.

Helen’s practice has a particular focus on providing strategic advice for, and consenting of, major projects across several industries. These have ranged from renewable energy generation, roading infrastructure/state highways, and retailing activities to oil and gas exploration, minerals prospecting, and pulp and paper manufacture.

Most recently, Helen has been involved with a number of the Boards of Inquiry specifically established under the RMA for the processing of projects of national significance. This has included representing the applicant before the Turitea Board, providing facilitation services to the New Zealand King Salmon and Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth Boards, and acting as legal advisor to the MacKays and Basin Bridge Boards. She represented both the MacKays and Basin Bridge Boards in successfully defending the High Court appeals filed in respect of their decisions.

Helen also advised Waikato-Tainui on the resource management/environmental aspects of its Waikato River Claim settlement under the Treaty of Waitangi. This involved both participating in settlement negotiations, and subsequent drafting of settlement legislation with the Crown. She has continued to advise the iwi on settlement implementation matters, and resource management issues concerning the Waikato River generally.

Helen currently sits on the Environmental and Resource Management Law Committees for both the NZLS and ADLSI, and is a certified Hearings Commissioner. She regularly contributes to a number of publications in the resource management and environment area, including Planning Quarterly, The Property Lawyer, The Resource Management Bulletin and Law News.

Education

• Bachelor of Laws (Hons), University of Auckland
• Bachelor of Arts, University of Auckland

Experience

• Berry Simons 2015 -current
• ChanceryGreen 2007 – 2015
• Minter Ellison Rudd Watts 2004 – 2007
• Chapman Tripp 1999-2004

Email: helen@berrysimons.co.nz
Phone: 09 909 7316