- Bachelor of Laws, University of Canterbury (2007)
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Canterbury (2008)
- Member of Human Resources Institute of New Zealand (HRNZ)
- Member of the Nelson Chamber of Commerce
Heather specialises in immigration and employment law and is experienced in these fields. She draws from a general practice background which includes commercial law and litigation.
Heather advises both corporate and individual clients on immigration matters including temporary and resident visa applications, through to New Zealand citizenship. Heather is also an experienced employment lawyer who can assist with a broad range of employment issues. These two areas of expertise make Heather well placed to advise employers who hire migrants, and individuals who have combined immigration and employment issues.
Heather has presented at the following conferences:
- The Law Association (formally Auckland District Law Society) Webinar titled "Crossroads of Immigration and Employment Law", November 2023, on the topic of the immigration perspective for Employment Lawyers
- LegalWise Immigration Law Conference, November 2022 on the topic of Skilled Pathways to Residency
- LegalWise Immigration Law Conference, March 2021 on the topic of Work Visas and the crossover with Employment Law
Heather provides immigration advice to corporate clients looking to employ and sponsor skilled migrants, as well as individuals and their families seeking New Zealand visas.
Heather also helps clients who are experiencing difficulties with their visa applications, specifically where Immigration New Zealand have indicated that an application may be declined, or where a decline decision has already been reached. In addition, Heather represents clients before the Immigration & Protection Tribunal and can assist clients who are facing deportation liability proceedings. Having a sound background in employment law also allows Heather to advise employers and visa applicants on employment law compliance before a visa application is submitted to Immigration New Zealand.
Heather is able to advocate well for her clients facing immigration issues and works hard to secure the best possible results for her clients.
She can assist with: Temporary visa applications; Residence visa applications; Citizenship; Character and medical waiver requests; Responding to Potentially Prejudicial Letters; Section 61 requests; Ministerial intervention requests; Deportation; and Appeals to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal.
Heather has been practising employment law since 2008 and is experienced in this field. She assists employers from a range of sectors, as well as employees, on a variety of employment matters.
Heather can assist by drafting, reviewing, and advising on employment agreements and employment policies, as well as providing advice on overall employment law compliance.
In addition Heather is experienced in raising and defending personal grievances on behalf of her clients, and assisting with disciplinary and performance issues, restructuring, redundancy, and health and safety matters.
Where employment disputes are not able to be resolved in the early stages Heather is experienced in attending employment mediations to assist her clients to reach a resolution. If necessary, Heather can also assist with matters proceeding to the Employment Relations Authority.
Heather’s background as an experienced litigator makes her well placed to advocate strongly for her clients involved in employment disputes.