Associate – Resource Management and Property
Q: In your role, what’s been the most rewarding challenge you’ve tackled
this year?
This year I have completed seven public presentations, which has been extremely rewarding, providing a chance to upskill and dive deep into complex areas. The most interesting presentations have been on the replacement legislation for the Resource Management Act 1991 – the new Natural and Built Environments Act. This new Act is going to change the landscape for councils, planners,and other consultants and lawyers in New Zealand. While is it exciting that the change is coming, there is a lot to prepare for, starting with understanding what the changes will mean for our work and our clients.
Q: Has your business been impacted by covid over the past 18 months? If so, how?
Harkness Henry has been fortunate enough that it has mostly been ‘business as usual’. The property market is still extremely busy, meaning a lot of property transaction and advisory work. This year has also seen a number of local authority plan changes, which has resulted in a strong resource management presence, and which has been managed through virtual meetings.
Q: How are staff coping during the pandemic? What emphasis has been placed on staff wellbeing, and is this any more or less than ‘normal ?’
Harkness Henry is extremely flexible in their working locations and hours. The trust from the Partners to the staff creates a strong relationship that ultimately results in a high wellbeing environment. We have also been involved in monthly wellness sessions with tips on wellbeing and resilience. The weekly, “Firm Wide Lockdown Fun” created great banter and a sense of connectivity with colleagues.
Q: What’s been your biggest learning this year on the leadership front?
Keeping my focus on the big issues and not getting caught up in the small things. Placing a “will this matter in a month’s time?” filter has helped shift my perception on issues. I have also learnt to push more for opportunities. Pushing my comfort zone to the next level has resulted in being appointed by the Minister of Conservation to the Waikato Conservation Board which looks at local conservation and resource management issues. My role on the World YWCA board, based in Geneva, has also taught me a lot about governance across cultures (and timezones). Many of the nations represented on the board have had very different responses to Covid-19, and this has required a lot of understanding about different circumstances at a global governance level.
Q: Within your role, what are you most excited about achieving in the next quarter before summer break?
Reconnecting with colleagues and clients in a safe environment. I get a real buzz being around people and helping people. This is more difficult in a lockdown. I also enjoy collaborating with colleagues on legal issues – we have a very interactive workplace where all teams exchange ideas and work collaboratively to get the best solutions to legal issues. I hope the next three months will involve reconnecting with colleagues and achieving high quality legal work.
