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 is the Board Chair of Russell McVeagh's Board.

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.
• KiwiRail in relation to a number of planning and consenting matters, including the Auckland Unitary Plan, Palmerston North Intermodal Freight Hub, fast track consenting hearing process to redevelop facilities in Picton to accommodate two new, large rail-enabled ferries, and the City Rail Link projects.
• KiwiRail on various policy matters throughout New Zealand, including the recent Covid-19 Recovery Fast Track consenting legislation.
• Watercare on a range of policy and legislative matters, including in relation to local government, disclosure and CCO obligations.
• Waste Management New Zealand on a range of large scale consenting matters.
• Scentre Group on the consenting and redevelopment of the Westfield Newmarket shopping centre.
• Woolworths New Zealand in relation to the consenting of Countdown supermarkets throughout New Zealand, including major multi-use developments in Christchurch and Auckland.
• Kiwi Property Group, Stride and other major retailer/developers on ratings and development contributions matters.
• Woolworths New Zealand on a range of Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act matters.

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 is currently Chair of Russell McVeagh's Board and was previously the firm's National Practice Group Chair for Environment, Planning and Natural Resources prior to joining the Board in 2018. 
 
Allison is a member of the Resource Management Law Association and of Global Women. She is the author of the Climate Change chapter in leading resource management textbook, Environment and Resource Management Law, (7th Edition).

Allison is named as one of NZ Lawyer's Most Influential Lawyers 2022 in the Changemaker category. She is ranked by Chambers and Partners 2023 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 2022 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."