Jen Vella

Jen is a Senior Associate in the Resource Management team, based in Ōtepoti Dunedin. With over two decades of experience in resource management law across both private practice and government, Jen brings a breadth of knowledge and expertise to her role.

Jen earned her BA/LLB degree from the University of Wollongong in 2002. She was admitted to the bar in New South Wales and in New Zealand in 2003, marking the beginning of her legal areer.

Before joining Anderson Lloyd in January 2024, Jen held positions in large full-service, a boutique environmental law firm and at the Ministry for the Environment. Her practice involves advising private clients, local government, central government and boards of inquiry on a wide range of subjects including renewable energy, freshwater, marine and coastal, natural hazards and adaptation, mining/quarrying, Treaty settlements, policy development and planning. In her recent work with the Ministry for the Environment, she worked on climate change mitigation, adaptation and resource management reform, including the emissions reduction plan, the national adaptation plan, managed retreat, and Treaty settlements.

Jen is a member of the Resource Management Law Association (RMLA), the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) and the Otago Women’s Law Association (OWLs).

Outside of work, Jen enjoys adventure. She has travelled extensively, most recently embarking on a family OE. She was drawn to Ōtepoti for its wild coastline, natural wildlife, and proximity to snow-covered mountains. She contributes to her community by baking for Good Bitches Baking.

Publications

• National Direction Reforms: Package Three – Freshwater
• National Direction Reforms: Package Two – Primary Sector
• National Direction Reforms: Package One – Infrastructure and Development
• Resource Management – National Direction Reforms: Overview
• The Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024 – what you need to know
• Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill passes – with controversial last-minute amendment
• Environment Committee says changes needed to Fast-track Approvals Bill
• Climate Change Regulation 2024: A Chambers Global Practice Guide
• New Fast Track Approvals Bill introduced today
• New fast-track consenting legislation and changes to NPS-FM on their way