Clients are in ‘safe hands’ with Bell Gully’s national, multidisciplinary practice, who handle large-scale projects across the energy and natural resources, infrastructure, transport, technology and telecoms sectors. In the firm’s Wellington office, David Coull leads the energy group and has demonstrable experience across the oil, gas and mining sectors, while Andrew Beatson spearheads the resource management team and handles major transport development projects. Environmental and resource management specialist Natasha Garvan ‘offers tailored advice’ to infrastructure providers, public bodies, Māori tribal organisations, as well as property and land developers. The Wellington office is also home to consultant Simon Watt, who is one of New Zealand’s leading probity advisers for public sector procurement and has a strong track record in public infrastructure transactions, and David Chisnall, who advises on the development and construction aspects of property projects. Hugh Kettle retired in December 2021.

Praised for its ‘in-depth understanding of the RMA’, MinterEllisonRuddWatts acts for central and local government bodies, blue-chip principals and national developers on major infrastructure and construction projects. Construction expert Sarah Sinclair, who continues to advise the Department of Internal Affairs on the Three Waters Reform Programme, jointly leads the team alongside resource management and environmental specialist Bianca Tree, who advises on all aspects of the RMA and related legislation. Steve Gallaugher has demonstrable experience in project financings, while Rachel Devine is a leading figure in the environmental and resource management space, and spearheads the team advising on the reform of the resource management system in New Zealand. Other key members of the practice include Travis Tomlinson and Scott Thompson, both of whom handle infrastructure and construction projects. All named partners operate from the firm’s office in Auckland.

Counting Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency, KiwiRail and Wellington Water Limited among its key roster of clients, Dentons Kensington Swan is no stranger to major infrastructure development projects in New Zealand, and is noted for its specialist expertise in the Public Works Act. In Wellington,  Nicky McIndoe – head of the national environment and planning team – focuses on matters pertaining to the Resources Management Act, as well as advising clients on planning authorisations for water reservoirs and wastewater treatment plants, and transport infrastructure. The Auckland office is home to co-head of the firm’s national major projects and construction practice, Paul Buetow, and PWA specialist Matthew Ockleston, who is a key adviser to NZ Transport Agency. Key contacts for resource management work include Auckland-based Christina Sheard and Wellington-based Ezekiel Hudspith.

DLA Piper New Zealand has a ‘great depth of experience’ in acting for local government bodies, as demonstrated by its ongoing representation of Auckland Council in matters pertaining to resource management, enforcement and the Building Act. Also counting central governments, including the Department of Corrections, and private entities among its key roster of clients, the team has demonstrable experience across a broader range of environmental matters and is commended for its ‘impressive understanding of RMA matters’. In the firm’s Wellington office, Stephen Quinn specialises in resource management, environmental and building law issues, and Kerry Anderson has experience in large infrastructure projects. Based in Auckland, Diana Hartley advises on urban growth and intensification, rural, heritage and freshwater management issues, while special counsel Anne Buchanan acts for ports, aquaculture companies and infrastructure providers. Wellington-based special counsel Emma Manohar is another key contact in the team.

Praised for its ‘exceptional talent and pragmatic client focused delivery’, Russell McVeagh acts for a range of infrastructure providers across the energy, transport, ports, utilities, three waters and telecommunications sectors. In Auckland, Daniel Minhinnick heads the firm’s national environment, planning and natural resources, as well as the infrastructure group, and has a ‘superb track record’ in resource management and environmental litigation. The Auckland office is also home to Allison Arthur-Young, who focuses on infrastructure development projects, district and regional planning, and policy matters, while Simon Pilkinton has experience in the water, wastewater, municipal waste and ports sectors. Corporate specialists Mei Fern Johnson and Joe Windmeyer, who operate from the Wellington and Auckland offices respectively, are further key team members. Michael Loan has rejoined the firm after a stint in London and is the head of infrastructure practice.

Based in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, Tompkins Wake advises local authorities, corporate clients and agritech companies on resource consent applications, designations and district plan reviews and changes, in addition to having demonstrable capability in rural infrastructure and development projects. In the firm’s Rotorua office, Theresa Le Bas leads the team and is noted for her expertise in resource management and local government law, while Hamilton-based Bridget Parham advises on matters concerning plan development, subdivisions and urban growth, and infrastructure.

Lane Neave’s ‘dedicated and knowledgeable’ practice advises on changes to regional and district planning document and plan reviews, in addition to resource management issues relating to mining projects and appeals before the Environment Court. ‘Outstanding’ practice leader Joshua Leckie divides his time between the firm’s Queenstown and Auckland offices, advising on development projects under the Resource Management Act. Leckie is supported by a a team that includes Christchurch-based senior associate Annabel Hawkins, and the Auckland-based special counsel Katharine Hockly and senior associate Sarah Anderton, the latter of whom joined from Bell Gully in April 2022.