Allison Arthur-Young

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

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.

Allison’s experience includes advising:

• Auckland Airport on a range of policy, regulatory, legislative and environmental issues, including most recently in relation to approvals required for the development and construction of its proposed second runway.

• Nelson Airport in relation to approvals to extend its runway.

• KiwiRail in relation to a number of planning and consenting matters, including housing intensification plan changes nationally, emergency works provisions after recent natural disasters, consents to develop the Palmerston North lntermodal Freight Hub, the fast track consenting hearing process to redevelop ferry facilities in Picton and Kaiwharawhara, and the City Rail Link projects.

• Waste Management New Zealand on a range of large scale consenting matters for new and existing landfills.

• Woolworths New Zealand in relation to the consenting of Woolworths supermarkets throughout New Zealand, including major multi-use developments in Christchurch and Auckland, and liquor licensing matters for the national portfolio.

• Watercare on a range of policy and legislative matters, including in relation to local government, disclosure and CCO obligations.

• Scentre Group on the consenting and redevelopment of the Westfield Newmarket shopping centre.

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

Allison was admitted to practise in New Zealand in 2003 and joined Russell McVeagh in 2005. She was Chair of Russell McVeagh's Board from 2021-2024, following becoming a Board member in 2018. Before joining the Board, she was the firm's National Practice Group Chair for Environment, Planning and Natural Resources.

Allison was named Large Law Firm Leader of the Year at the 2023 New Zealand Law Awards, and was named as one of NZ Lawyer's Most Influential Lawyers 2022 in the Changemaker category. She is ranked by Chambers and Partners 2024 Guide for Environment and Resource Management law and noted as a distinguished practitioner in Environment law by Asialaw Profiles 2022. She is recognised for Land Use and Zoning Law in the peer-nominated Best Lawyers® 2024 New Zealand Guide; recognised in Environment and Resource Management in Doyle's Guide 2022; as a Leading Individual in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2024 Guide for Projects and Resource Management/Transport; and, is listed as Highly Regarded in Project Development by IFLR 1000.

One of Allison's clients commented in the recent Chambers and Partners 2022 Guide, "There is no person I would rather have on my side; Allison is always at least one step ahead of proceedings, is an excellent communicator and just really fun to work with."

Allison is a member of the Resource Management Law Association and of Global Women.