- 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
- Member of The Law Association (formerly Auckland District Law Society)
With over 15 years’ experience in employment law Heather has an extensive background in this field, and regularly assists both corporate and individual clients with a broad variety of workplace matters. She also specialises in immigration law, making her well placed to assist employer and individual clients with combined immigration and employment issues.
As employment issues can move quickly, Heather provides timely, clear and practical advice to her clients. She prefers a proactive approach so that where possible, disputes can be avoided or resolved quickly. Heather’s experience means that she has a wealth of knowledge to draw from and a proven, effective approach when assisting with a wide range of matters.
In the immigration sphere Heather is experienced in assisting clients across the full range of visa applications and associated immigration issues. She has been working in this area for almost a decade and has a particular specialisation in the crossover between immigration and employment law.
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's articles have been published in the following media:
Heather has been practising employment law since 2008 and has extensive experience in this field. She assists employees and corporate clients from a range of sectors on a variety of employment matters.
In particular Heather can assist with raising and defending personal grievances, disciplinary and performance issues, restructuring, redundancy, incapacity, contractual disputes, health and safety, protected disclosures, privacy, holiday and leave entitlements, restraints of trade, in addition to providing representation at mediations and in the Employment Relations Authority. Heather also regularly advises employers on overall employment law compliance, and drafts and updates employment agreements, contractor agreements and workplace policies.
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 can assist with temporary visa applications, residence visa applications, citizenship applications, character and medical waiver requests, responding to Potentially Prejudicial Letters, section 61 requests, ministerial intervention requests, appeals to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal and deportation liability proceedings.
In additional Heather regularly advises employers and work visa applicants on employment law compliance before visa applications are submitted to Immigration New Zealand.