Jessica Ottowa

Associate

+64 21 240 8059
+64 3 372 6405
Christchurch
Email me

Top expertise

Resource Management

Jessica advises on a wide range of projects, including regional and district planning matters, with a particular focus on indigenous biodiversity and outstanding natural landscapes, and consenting issues in relation to air quality management, and renewable energy.

Recent highlights

  • Assisting with the preparation of resource consent renewal applications for Bell Island, including discharges of treated sewage to coastal waters, air contaminants, odour emissions, and biosolid disposal at Moturoa/Rabbit Island.
  • Assisting both applicants and submitters resource consent applications.
  • Advising and representing a range of clients on District Plan Reviews, covering issues such as flooding, zoning, landscape matters, and overlays.
  • Supporting clients with Council enforcement investigations and resolving RMA and resource consent breach allegations
  • Conducting due diligence reports for the acquisition of urban commercial and residential properties, rural farmland, forestry blocks, and orchards.
  • Acting as Second Counsel acting for Mackenzie Basin Farmer collective on Environment Court appeals to Plan Change 18 (Ecosystems and Indigenous Biodiversity) to the Mackenzie District Plan, balancing the protection of indigenous biodiversity with sustainable farming practices.
  • Representing a community group at District Council hearing level, to oppose an agrivoltaics farming proposal on the Canterbury Plains.

Jessica's insights

Planning through change: transitioning to the Planning Act and Natural Environment Act

27 October 2026

RMA Amendments – huge increases to fines and insurance for fines now unlawful

20 August 2025

Te Pūtahi Ladies Mile Variation

13 January 2025

How can we help?

Get in touch.