Asher graduated from the University of Auckland with an LLB(Hons)/BA and was admitted in 2002. In 2004 she obtained a Master of Laws (1st Class Honours).

In March 2010 Asher joined Matt’s practice as a junior barrister having previously worked in Chapman Tripp’s resource management team for 9 years. She brought with her a wealth of experience and has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to Matt’s practice.

Asher has extensive knowledge of the Resource Management Act, Public Works Act, Local Government Act and related legislation.

Asher has appeared at Council hearings and as junior counsel in the High Court and Court of Appeal. She has represented clients in Environment Court mediations and less formal negotiations.

She is experienced in drafting appeals to the Environment Court and High Court, drafting legal submissions for all Court levels, and briefing witnesses for Council, Environment Court and High Court hearings.

Asher is focused on providing legal and strategic advice that addresses the specific needs of clients. Her proficient legal research skills, personable approach and drive enable her to deliver consistently.

• LLB/BA, University of Auckland (2002)

• Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand (2002)

• Master of Laws, University of Auckland (2004)

• Accredited Hearings Commissioner

• Resource Management Law

• Public Works Act

• Local Government Act

• Mediation and Negotiation (including resolution of approximately 40 appeals on the Proposed Hastings District Plan)

• District Plan preparation, plan changes, and rezoning

• Designations and Resource consenting

Appearances as sole counsel in High Court and Environment Court, including:

- Raikes v Hastings District Council [2022] NZHC 3075, [2023] NZCA 264 (acting for Hastings District Council on appeal against Environment Court’s decision to recognize wāhi taonga areas over private land. Currently the subject of an application for leave to appeal to Court of Appeal.)

- Currie v Palmerston North City Council [2022] NZHC 909 (acting for resource consent applicant on appeal on an interlocutory decision by the Environment Court regarding identity of the applicant)

- Auckland University of Technology v Auckland Council [2017] NZHC 1350 (acting for Auckland University of Technology in relation to decisions on the Auckland Unitary Plan).

- Transpower New Zealand Ltd v Auckland Council [2017] NZHC 281 (acting for private developer, Hugh Green Ltd, in relation to implementation of the National Policy Statement on Electricity Transmission in the Auckland Unitary Plan)

- Maungaharuru-Tangitu Trust v Hastings District Council [2018] NZEnvC 79 (acting for Hastings District Council in relation to recognition of wāhi taonga in the Hastings District Plan)

- JARA Family Trust v Hastings District Council [2015] NZEnvC 208 (acting for the Hastings District Council defending a decision to decline consent to resource consent application).

Appearances as junior counsel in Court of Appeal, High Court and Environment Court, including:

- Keir v Auckland Council [2023] NZHC 1658

- Vortac New Zealand Ltd v R [2021] NZCA 200 (acting for appellant in relation to conviction and sentence for offences under the Resource Management Act 1991)

- Wallace Corporation v Waikato Regional Council [2011] NZCA 119 (acting for appellant in relation to

- North Eastern Investments Ltd v Auckland Transport [2017] NZHC 2355 (acting for appellant

- Bunnings Ltd v Auckland Transport [2020] NZEnvC 92 (acting for Bunnings Ltd seeking declarations as to status of designations).

asher@casey.co.nz

+64 27 213 0538