Real estate boutique AlexanderDorrington Ltd 'offers an outstanding level of service to developers'. The group's ‘practical hands-on knowledge' spans residential and commercial transactions and developments. Denise Marsden heads up the firm’s residential property and development offering, and her 'ability to understand and frame the issue, work through options and manage the risk, priorities, and commercial outcomes is brilliant.' Jourdan Griffin is the key practitioner for commercial property law, and assists family trusts, private corporates, and national retailers with real estate matters.
Real estate and construction in New Zealand
AlexanderDorrington Ltd
Practice head(s):
Denise Marsden; Jourdan Griffin
Testimonials
‘Great directors with really practical hands-on knowledge and a fantastic support network behind them to assist.‘
‘Jourdan Griffin is very approachable and very professional. He is very well known in the industry.‘
‘Strong empathy with our business needs and hands-on partner involvement.‘
Key clients
NZ Living
CORT
Anderson Lloyd
Anderson Lloyd's teams operate across the jurisdiction from offices based in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown, handling a wide spectrum of real estate and construction matters. Anton Trixl heads up the firm’s construction offering, covering the full cope of project development and financing work for clients in the energy, natural resources and infrastructure sectors. The team also leverages the litigation expertise of Simon Munro and Charlotte Houghton to advise on contentious issues arising from large-scale PPP projects. Sharon Knowles leads the firm’s real estate practice, which has a solid track record in advising on infrastructure and energy-related projects, forestry sector matters and the commercial development of industrial land. Kerry O’Donnell, Mike Kerr, Robert Huse, Vanessa Robb, Dan Williams, and Clare O’Shea are practitioners to note.
Practice head(s):
Anton Trixl; Sharon Knowles
Other key lawyers:
Simon Munro; Charlotte Houghton; Kerry O’Donnell, Mike Kerr, Robert Huse, Vanessa Robb, Dan Williams, Clare O’Shea
Testimonials
‘The partners are always available, but they are also supported by a very competent team of junior lawyers.‘
‘Dan Williams and Anton Trixl are both young leaders in their field. They are very smart individuals who have an outstanding grasp of their subject matter, allowing them to navigate complex legal matters with ease. Both are always engaged and well prepared and good people to have in your corner. I would highly recommend them.‘
Key clients
Mercury NZ Limited
Mt Cardrona Station Village Limited
Energy Bay Limited
Argosy Property No 1. Limited
Fernbrook Property Limited
Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited
Timaru District Council
Christchurch City Council
University of Canterbury
Manawa Energy Limited
Queenstown Airport Corporation Limited
Ngāi Tahu Property Limited
Doppelmayr Lifts NZ Limited
New Forests Asset Management Pty Limited
Ports of Auckland Limited
Argosy Property Limited
Foodstuffs (South Island) Properties Limited
Meridian Energy Limited
Manulife Investment Management
NZ Retail Property Group Limited
Dunedin City Council
Silverfin Capital Limited
Queenstown Commercial Limited
Port Otago Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Mercury NZ on the development of the two-staged Kaiwera Downs Wind Farm development, a wind farm project proposed for the Gore District.
- Advised Mount Cardrona Station Village Limited on the development of Mt Cardrona Station, spanning over 400 hectares.
- Advising Solar Bay on the development and project financing of the Maungaturoto solar farm in Northland, New Zealand.
Anthony Harper
Anthony Harper‘s department provides ‘pragmatic and commercially-focused advice‘ on commercial development projects. Construction expert Ed Dunphy heads the real estate practice, and has an excellent reputation for handling the full range of commercial property matters. Karen Kemp is highly regarded for her expertise in commercial construction litigation. Tim Barclay represents corporates and funds management businesses in commercial property work, and Alistair Law counts property finance and leasing matters as key strengths. The ‘very proactive and practical‘ Daniel French and the ‘excellent communicator‘ Tim Bunker are key names. Jessica Hanning was promoted to partner in January 2023.
Practice head(s):
Edward Dunphy; Karen Kemp
Other key lawyers:
Tim Barclay; Alistair Law; Daniel French; Tim Bunker; Jessica Hanning
Testimonials
‘Very personal and knowledgeable service, very tailored to our particular property needs.‘
‘Daniel French is very proactive.’
‘Practical advice which is as good as the Big Four.‘
Key clients
CPB Construction Pty Ltd
KiwiRail Ltd
Southbase Construction Limited
Woolworths Limited
Stride Property Limited
Oceania Healthcare Limited
Ninety Four Feet Pty Limited
Templeton Group
Cleland Construction
Woolworths
Mainland Capital
The Fletcher Construction Company
KiwiRail
Fletcher Distribution
Argosy Property
Stride Property Group
Centuria Capital
Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust
Te Toi Mahana
CDL Land New Zealand
Pacific Radiology Group
Sarin Group
Arvida Limited
Heredium Group
Huadu International NZ
Fulton Hogan Limited
Metlifecare
First Light Capital
Elanor Group Investors
Work highlights
- Advised Allegro Funds on the property aspects of its purchase of Gull New Zealand.
- Advised Mainland Capital on its portfolio purchase of several Christchurch industrial properties.
Bell Gully
Bell Gully‘s real estate practice provides clients with a full-service offering, advising on leases, sales, purchases, developments, and OIA approvals. The department leverages the firm’s corporate expertise in order to assist international investors in the space. Karl Anderson leads the firm’s projects and real estate team, and specialises in handling forestry transactions, while Andrew Petersen advises on overseas investments. Jane Holland and Tonie Forrest are key names for commercial property work. The firm also has a strong construction offering, with Ian Becke leading the department. Jesse Wilson, Kirsty Dobbs, and Brad Ward are all active in the construction litigation space. David Chisnall handles real estate and construction work for public and private sector clients in regional development projects.
Practice head(s):
David Chisnall; Ian Becke; Karl Anderson
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Petersen; Jane Holland; Tonie Forrest; Jesse Wilson; Kirsty Dobbs; Brad Ward
Testimonials
‘The construction team are well attuned to the industry dynamics. They have a pragmatic and solution-based approach to matters, whether project development or in disputes. Bell Gully is our first choice for construction litigation.‘
‘Jesse Wilson and Brad Ward are industry leaders in construction disputes.’
‘Bell Gully has the most experienced and knowledgeable team and cover every aspect of investments in real estate. We consider Bell Gully to be the leader in the market and to provide service of comparable quality with other larger, multinational legal firms globally.‘
Key clients
Auckland Transport
Tauranga City Council
Precinct Properties
Tainui Group Holdings
Port Marlborough
Fletcher Building
Metlifecare
Waka Kotahi
West Village Capital Partners
Downer
Greater Wellington Regional Council
Let’s Get Wellington Moving
Auckland Transport
ANZ Bank
Asset Plus
Augusta
Calibre Partners
David Jones
Fabric Property
Fletcher Building
GIC
Work highlights
- Acting as joint legal adviser to the Let’s Get Wellington Moving project, concerning the improvement of Wellington’s transport infrastructure.
- Advising Auckland Transport on the AMETI Eastern Busway Alliance EB2, EB3 and EB4 with the RAPT consortium, comprising Fletchers, Acciona, Jacobs and AECOM.
- Advised Precinct on the development of the new head office for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Wellington.
Buddle Findlay
High-profile infrastructure projects and major public sector work form the key pillar of Buddle Findlay’s practice, with transport and energy-related mandates prominent in the group's caseload. The firm has an excellent track record in advising local authorities and other government entities on significant urban renewal, transport, and renewable energy development projects. Daniel Kelleher leads the team on property work, advising local government in Auckland on urban renewal, infrastructure, and utilities matters. Charlotte von Dadelszen is the key contact in the Wellington office, assisting with all public and private sector construction and property related matters. Julia Gabrielle, a corporate lawyer with a property focus, is another key contact.
Practice head(s):
Charlotte von Dadelszen; Daniel Kelleher; Tom Bennett
Other key lawyers:
Julia Gabrielle
Testimonials
‘They give great practical, commercial advice.‘
‘Tom Bennett is technically brilliant, and his calm yet unyielding demeanour is effective in negotiations.‘
‘The team knows our business really well. They are very approachable, well resourced, knowledgeable and outcome-focused.‘
Key clients
Department of Internal Affairs
Sky Network Television
Contact Energy
Grand Lakes Management
Hotel Management (Featherston St)
Olam Food Ingredients New Zealand
Precinct Properties Holdings
Landcorp Farming
Norske Skog Tasman
Auckland Council
Ministry of Education
GMP Pharmaceuticals
Generus Living Group
Work highlights
- Provides ongoing advice to Auckland Transport and Auckland Council on the City Rail Link project, being New Zealand’s largest infrastructure project.
- Advising on the Auckland Light Rail project, with a projected completion cost of over NZ$14.6bn.
- Advising on the Let’s Get Wellington Moving project, which is focusing on improving Wellington’s transport infrastructure.
Chapman Tripp
Chapman Tripp advises an established client base of private and public sector entities, including domestic and inbound investors, on major projects within the infrastructure, energy, residential, hospitality, healthcare, and forestry sectors. The firm’s real estate offering, headed by Matthew Carroll, stands out for its strength in assisting international clients with OIO consent matters, also a key area of focus for Tessa Baker. Hamish Bolland, Greg Wise, and Mark Nicholson are highly regarded for handling complex mandates involving high-profile infrastructure projects. The firm also has a dedicated construction disputes team; Bolland, Sam Holden and consultant John McKay are key practitioners in this area.
Practice head(s):
Hamish Bolland; Matthew Carroll
Other key lawyers:
Tessa Baker; Greg Wise; Mark Nicholson; Sam Holden; John McKay
Testimonials
‘Pragmatic, proactive, expertise, good communication.’
‘Expertise and understanding of our requirements.‘
‘What makes the team unique is their combination of excellent technical expertise as well as practical, commercial approach.‘
Key clients
Centuria Capital
Precinct Properties
Willis Bond & Co
Property for Industry
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Tauranga Crossing Limited
Parliamentary Service and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
The Wellington Company
Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o TeIka
Department of Corrections
Wellington City Council
Wellington International Airport Limited
Chorus
Ric Kayne
Tara Iti Holdings
Auckland International Airport Limited
Westpac New Zealand Limited
Fonterra Cooperative Group Limited
Mercury NZ Limited
Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand
Beca Limited
Powerco Limited
Transpower Limited
Work highlights
- Advising on all Te Whatu Ora’s major hospital developments, including its national pipeline of Acute Mental Health Facilities.
- Acted for Connexa in acquiring a 100% stake in 2Degrees, merging the tower networks of 2degrees and Spark under the Connexa brand.
- Advising Precinct Properties on establishing a NZ$1bn property fund joint venture with GIC, a Singaporean wealth fund.
Dentons New Zealand
At Dentons New Zealand, Stuart Robertson heads up the construction team, and is noted for his expertise in advising on disputes in the space. Paul Buetow has substantial experience in handling infrastructure mandates concerning road, rail, water, and energy projects, and Brendan Cash represents clients in contentious work up to Supreme Court level. On the real estate side, practice head Michelle Hill represents multinational clients in commercial real estate matters from the Auckland office, and Matthew Ockleston is active in work involving acquisitions of land for public infrastructure projects. Katrina Van Houtte, Paul Holth and Ish Fraser are key names to note. Buddle Findlay departed the team to join Buddle Findlay in November 2023.
Practice head(s):
Michelle Hill; Stuart Robertson
Other key lawyers:
Paul Buetow; Brendan Cash; Katrina Van Houtte; Matthew Ockleston; Paul Holth; Ish Fraser
Testimonials
‘The people are experts in their fields, giving straightforward advice from a well understood briefing. They give reliable and timely advice, and are relaxed and easy-going people, yet attentive and very professional. Overall, a fine firm to work with.‘
‘Dentons is the market leader in New Zealand for understanding the commercial drivers of the contracting community.‘
‘Katrina Van Houtte has a unique offering due to her in-house experience, which elevates her advice with a level of commerciality.‘
‘Specialised experience with ability to operate at a strategic level.‘
‘Top class legal advice. The team understands clients’ needs and intricacies.‘
‘Readily available to give high quality advice.’
‘Dentons Kensington Swan has a fantastic team of truly specialist construction lawyers.‘
Key clients
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Ministry of Social Development
Grand Complex Properties Limited
Universal Homes Limited
Ministry of Justice
AMP Services (NZ) Limited
HSBC
Bridgestone New Zealand Ltd
George Weston Foods
Pro-Invest Group
Tāmaki Regeneration Limited
PMG Capital Fund
Fletcher Building Limited
Fisher & Paykel Appliances Limited
Oji Fibre Solutions
Danone Nutricia
KiwiRail
Greenlit Brands (Freedom Furniture)
Beumer Group
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Downer New Zealand
CPB Contractors
Aurecon New Zealand
CentrePort Limited
Masterbuild Services Ltd – Registered Master Builders Association of New Zealand
Calibre Consulting Limited
Ghella
Kāinga Ora
Work highlights
- Advised KiwiRail Ltd and its property acquisition consultant on the acquisition of residential and commercial land for the NZD200m+ Drury Rail Stations Project.
- Advised PMG Generation Fund on the NZD102.5m purchase of a shopping centre development.
- Assisted Kiwi Property with establishing its Build to Rent development at Sylvia Park, Auckland.
DLA Piper New Zealand
DLA Piper New Zealand leverages the global footprint of the firm’s network to assist blue chip international and domestic clients with large real estate transactions. National head of the real estate group Justin March is well known for advising global clients with a multinational reach on inbound investments and portfolio management. Mark Williamson counts construction work as a key strength; he garners praise as ‘a practical, pragmatic practitioner who offers solutions and is easy to deal with‘. Emma Moran is well versed in handling contentious construction matters. Heath Brunton is noted for his ‘wealth of knowledge and attention to detail‘. Sundaresh Thangavelu and senior associate Nick Byrnes are key contacts in the group.
Practice head(s):
Justin March; Mark Williamson
Other key lawyers:
Heath Brunton; Nick Byrnes; Sundaresh Thangavelu; Emma Moran
Testimonials
‘The DLA Piper team have excellent knowledge in property, a diverse skill set and great people. They have strength in understanding the client’s needs and translating and negotiating that with other parties, and advise competently on complex leasing agreements or sale and purchase agreements.‘
‘Heath Brunton is absolutely fantastic to work with. With a wealth of knowledge and attention to detail, he is able to take very complex legal language/concepts and translate them practically to the client.‘
‘DLA has good research into changes in the property sector.‘
‘Stand out partners would be Heath Brunton and Mark Williamson. They have very strong insight and intelligence.‘
‘The team’s junior members are confident and calm, easy to deal with and feel empowered to be themselves in their workspace.‘
‘Mark Williamson is a practical, pragmatic practitioner who offers solutions and is easy to deal with. He explains legal concepts in plain English. I trust him and would use him and his team for future construction projects and contracts.’
Key clients
Savory Construction Limited
Foodstuffs North Island
Tasman District Council
WT Partnership
Auckland Council
Maersk
Nelson City Council
IAG New Zealand Limited
Mitre 10
Contact Energy
Aquila Capital
Fred Hollows Foundation (NZ)
Foodstuffs North Island Limited
Cornwall Park Trust Board
Ingka Investments
Auckland Council
Mondelēz
Lululemon
IAG
Simplicity
West City Partnership
Goodman
Starship Foundation
Aon
Happy Valley Nutrition
AIG
Dairy Farm Partnership
Burberry
Lego
Nelson City Council
Hawaiki Submarine Cable Limited Partnership
Datagrid
Logos Property
Warner Bros. Discovery
ANL Container Line Pty Limited
Maersk
New Zealand Banking Association
Whites Powersports Limited
Salesforce Australia Pty. Limited
World Courier
UNICEF
Work highlights
- Acts as counsel to Foodstuffs North Island on its real estate portfolio and its acquisitions, disposals, and leasing for over 300 supermarkets.
- Advised Maersk on its design build logistics facility at the newly developed Ruakura Superhub Logistics Precinct.
- Advised GRP III Regional Holdings Ltd on the acquisition of solarZero, a provider of financed roof-top solar panels and battery systems across residential, community and commercial premises.
Hesketh Henry
Auckland-based Hesketh Henry
is ‘a stand out in the New Zealand market for its construction litigation practice‘, handling a wide range of complex and high-profile construction disputes. The team garners praise for being ‘practical and commercially robust‘ and ‘easy to work with‘, and is led by Nick Gillies, who ‘combines excellent technical skills with strong commercial acumen.‘ Christina Bryant is a key contact, with a solid track record in handling disputes up to Supreme Court level; Glen Holm-Hansen combines insolvency, regulatory and litigation expertise. Additionally, Gillies works alongside Helen Macfarlane to assist clients with construction and consultancy contracts. On the real estate side. Robert Berry is well known for advising on ground leases; he jointly heads the group with Brian Coburn, who acts for international high-net-worth individuals. Jacintha Tan, Barret Blaylock, and Sarah Holderness are names to note.
Practice head(s):
Nick Gillies; Robert Berry; Brian Coburn
Other key lawyers:
Christina Bryant; Glen Holm-Hansen; Helen McFarlane; Jacintha Tan; Barret Blaylock; Sarah Holderness
Testimonials
‘Their approach to appointing experts is excellent. The team are open to suggestions, and they recognise the value in finding the answer to the question rather than manufacturing a value for strategic positioning.‘
‘Nick is a considered and diligent lawyer. He is open to suggestions and is willing to pivot the approach without the rigidity that is commonplace in the legal industry. The overriding strength Nick holds is his knowledge of construction. To my mind, this places him and his practice front and centre in the NZ market for complex construction disputes.‘
‘The partners and associates all understand practically what’s involved in the Construction & Civil Works industries. It’s vital to have professionals who can understand the nuances of these industries, particularly so when cases become adversarial.’
‘Specialist construction knowledge from the contractor’s perspective.‘
‘Nick Gillies is approachable, helpful, has excellent industry knowledge and gives pertinent advice. Glen Holm-Hansen is hard working with excellent industry knowledge and measured advice.‘
‘Hesketh Henry is a stand out in the New Zealand market for its construction litigation practice. The team is a devastating combination of clever practitioners who know the law inside out, aligned with practical and commercially robust thinkers who devise clear and effective strategies for their clients.‘
‘Nick Gillies is an outstanding construction litigator. He combines excellent technical skills with strong commercial acumen. He is also terrific to work with and has a first rate knowledge of the construction market.‘
‘The construction team at Hesketh Henry punches above its weight. It is truly client-focused and easy to work with.’
Key clients
McConnell Dowell
Fulton Hogan
Naylor Love
SRG Global
WSP
Norman Disney & Young
AECOM
Gensler
Russell Group
Form Building & Developments
CMP Construction
Mainmark Ground Engineering
MAXRaft
Steelcraft Engineering
BW Group
Kahawai Point Developments Ltd
Octagon Developments Ltd
Octagon (Terrace Management) Ltd
The Marianne Caughey Smith-Preston Memorial Rest Homes Trust Board
The General Trust Board of the Diocese of Auckland
Airedale Property Trust
New Zealand Methodist Trust Association
Synergy Properties
The Palms Lifestyle Village Ltd
Pinefarm 25 Joint Venture
22 Terrace Investment Limited
Speldhurst Country Estate Limited
Richmond Villas Limited
Wellington Investment Group Limited
Work highlights
- Representing a New Zealand subsidiary of the SRG Global Group in a procedurally complex, high-value dispute going to the Supreme Court.
- Acted for Norman Disney & Young in a case involving multiple defendants, concerning responsibility for an allegedly defective hot water system in a new private hospital.
- Defending WSP in proceedings brought by a developer concerning a new commercial CBD building.
MinterEllisonRuddWatts
MinterEllisonRuddWatts' practice is home to a team praised as 'masters of the field in construction law', with a depth of expertise in advising on complex disputes and prominent infrastructure projects. Janine Stewart leads on the construction side, with 'excellent skills and experience in construction litigation'. Stephen Price
and Travis Tomlinson are also key contacts for disputes work, and Tomlinson is well known for his infrastructure and energy expertise. Sarah Sinclair is eminent in the market for her track record in advising on the country's most high-profile infrastructure projects, and Mark Crosbie advises on the full lifecycle of commercial construction projects. Head of the firm's property offering, David Gilbert, handles acquisitions, developments and leasing for public and private sector clients. Andrew Monteith fields extensive experience in advising commercial and infrastructure property matters; Amanda Spratt's workload includes acquisitions and disposals, developments, forestry, insolvency, and property finance; and Holly Hill focuses on sustainability issues. Ross Pickmere has retired from practice.
Practice head(s):
Janine Stewart; Travis Tomlinson; David Gilbert
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Price; Sarah Sinclair; Mark Crosbie; Andrew Monteith; Amanda Spratt; Holly Hill
Testimonials
‘MinterEllison’s construction team is without doubt one of the top construction teams in Auckland. They have deep resources in talent and experience and handle large complex cases exceptionally well. They are masters of the field in construction law.‘
‘The practice is responsive and has a wide range of very skilled people that collaborate amongst the different functional areas to provide considered advice.‘
‘Very knowledgeable in their practice area.‘
‘MinterEllison’s construction team is probably unique in NZ in combining construction project and litigation experience in one specialist team.’
‘The MinterEllison team is definitely one of the most experienced in specialist construction litigation.‘
‘Janine Stewart is a very good lawyer with excellent skills and experience in construction litigation and a pleasure to work with. She is intelligent, pragmatic, outcomes focused and strategic. She is level-headed and a good team manager.‘
‘Complex issues are resolved quickly.‘
Key clients
AECOM New Zealand
Auckland Council
Channel Infrastructure
Cooper and Company
Department of Internal Affairs
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
Fulton Hogan
Generus Living Group
Health New Zealand
Jacobs New Zealand
Kiwi Property Group
Mercury New Zealand
Metlifecare
Ministry for Primary Industries
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Transport
Pan Pac Forest Products
Rau Paenga
Wellington Gateway Partnership
Credit Suisse
Global Forest Partners LP
One Forty One
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Properties Limited
Newcrest LP
New Zealand Bus Limited
ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited
Westpac (NZ) Investments Ltd
Precinct
Z Energy Limited
Work highlights
- Advising the Department of Internal Affairs on a project concerning the reform of the three waters sector.
- Advising Rau Paenga (formerly Ōtākaro and CERA) on all aspects of its ongoing NZ$1bn+ earthquake rebuild ‘Anchor Projects’.
- Represented Metlifecare in High Court proceedings against James Hardie entities in New Zealand, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland.
Russell McVeagh
Russell McVeagh advises on the full range of construction and real estate work. Sarah Blackmore specialises in advising on the sale and acquisition of forestry assets, while Ed Crook assists institutional property owners with major commercial property development mandates. Anna Crosbie and David Butler are also active in high-profile construction and property instructions. Natalie Steur and Michael Taylor are other key practitioners in the department. After the research concluded, former joint practice head Polly Pope departed to Bankside Chambers.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Blackmore
Other key lawyers:
Ed Crook; Anna Crosbie; David Butler; Natalie Steur; Michael Taylor
Testimonials
‘Russell McVeagh is the market leader in real estate legal advice.’
‘The partners are highly accessible, professional and experienced.‘
‘Exceptional access to partners within the firm to provide ongoing and specific advice when required. Relevant partners worked well together to provide balanced advice.‘
‘Natalie Steur managed her team very well and was able to get things completed on time and under extreme pressure .‘
‘Top quality advice, industry knowledge and a communicative team.‘
‘Ed Crook, the best property lawyer in the country in our opinion. Excellent advice, trusted and responsive. Natalie Steur is excellent at communication, management of transactions and general property advice.‘
‘The team are the full package: from drafting for the most complex transactions, to listening, engaging and negotiating the best outcome from difficult situations. The team is the best in the business.‘
‘Michael Taylor is exceptionally good at listening to the client and seeking out what questions and solutions are important to clients in disputes or getting to a negotiated solution. Quite exceptional turnaround times. ‘
Key clients
Precinct Properties
PSPIB Waiheke
Wellington Water Limited
Infratec New Zealand Limited
Auckland International Airport Limited
WEL Networks Limited
Argon Construction Limited
Teak Construction Group
Summerset Group
Goodman Property Trust
T&G Global
Woolworths New Zealand Limited
Vector
RF CorVal
KiwiRail Limited
Winton Land
Charter Hall Wholesale Management
Kiwi Property
Stamford Land Corporation
Genesis Energy
BNZ Investment Services
Summerset Group
The shareholders of Waipapa Pine Limited and Renewable Wood Fuels Limited
Goodman Property Trust
Precinct Properties
Auckland International Airport
Mobil Oil
Woolworths New Zealand Limited
Accident Compensation Corporation
Spark New Zealand Trading Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Infratec as EPC contractor in its EPC arrangements with Lodestone Energy, for the design and construction of five large scale solar power stations.
- Advised Auckland International Airport Limited on its development of Mānawa Bay, a NZD200m, 100-store premium outlet shopping centre.
- Acting for Precinct Properties on Stage 3 of its Wynyard Central development.
Simpson Grierson
Simpson Grierson 'has significant experience in the construction industry and provides strategic and transactional advice' to an established client base of public sector entities, with a particular focus on major infrastructure projects. Practice head Michael Weatherall is eminent in the construction law space, with an excellent track record in advising on a number of high-profile infrastructure projects in the country. The 'pragmatic and balanced' Jo-Anne Knight has been kept busy advising on claims concerning building defects. Shanti Frater has experience in handling construction litigation. Greg Allen leads the firm's property team, working across large-scale residential and property development, forestry, and agribusiness transactions, as well as assisting with real estate-related corporate transactions. Nick Wilson 'has a strong depth of knowledge across many of the varied disciplines required in a real estate setting'. Consultant Michael Wood, Donna Hurley and Tara Wylie are key names to note.
Practice head(s):
Michael Weatherall; Greg Allen
Other key lawyers:
Jo-Anne Knight; Shanti Frater; Michael Wood; Nick Wilson; Donna Hurley; Tara Wylie
Testimonials
‘Professional and relatable team.’
‘Nick Wilson has a strong depth of knowledge across many of the varied disciplines required in a real estate setting.‘
‘Competent, experienced people.’
Key clients
Auckland Council
Queenstown Lakes District Council and Waka Kotahi Wakatipu Transport Alliance
Watercare Services Limited
Christchurch City Council
Tauranga City Council
Auckland Transport
Watercare Services Limited
Health New Zealand (Waitematā)
Queenstown Lakes District Council
Auckland Council
Lodestone Energy Limited
Heritage Lifecare Limited
New Zealand Carbon Farming – Forestry and Land Acquisitions
New Zealand Carbon Farming – Southern Skies Whanganui
Vivid Living Limited
Fletcher Residential Limited
Counties Energy Limited
Auckland Transport
Eastern Busway Alliance
Auckland Light Rail Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Watercare Services Limited on all procurement and construction matters concerning the Central Interceptor Main Works project.
- Advising Christchurch City Council on its Canterbury Multi-Use Arena Project consisting of a 25,000+ seats covered multi-use stadium with an estimated value of approximately over NZD500m.
- Advising City Rail Link Limited on the NZD5b+ underground rail project through all stages of procurement through to the award of the Contract.
Thompson Blackie Biddles
Thompson Blackie Biddles is a real estate boutique with an excellent reputation for providing specialist advice concerning high-profile acquisitions, divestments, leasing, and developments. The client base includes offshore and domestic property entities, private companies, property funds, and high-net-worth individuals. Greg Thompson has extensive experience in transactions, strategy, and real estate investment funds, while James Blackie is noted for his work in relation to commercial property acquisitions, securitisation, development, and property finance. Joe Biddles has a solid track record in acting on some of the most high-profile real estate transactions and development projects in the market. Transaction and leasing specialist Sam Greenwood handles instructions from listed property trusts and high-net-worth private investors. Associate Tom McGarry is a name to note.
Practice head(s):
Greg Thompson; James Blackie; Joe Biddles; Sam Greenwood
Other key lawyers:
Tom McGarry
Testimonials
‘Real estate law experts who apply a practical and commercial approach to all issues.‘
‘They are personable and responsive. In particular, Joe Biddles is great to work with.’
‘Great collaborative team.’
Key clients
Precinct Properties Holdings Limited
Kiwi Property Group Limited
Stride Property
Investore Property
Todd Property
Robt. Jones Holdings Limited
Oyster Property
KKR / Oyster Property JV
Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad
Fife Capital
Wilson Parking New Zealand Limited
Lion – Beer Spirits and Wine (NZ) Limited
Goodman Property Trust
Trust Investments Management
Hallenstein Bros. Limited
Glassons Limited
McConnell Property
Blackstone
151 Property
Te Arawa Group
Ariadne Marinas Oceania Pty Limited
Orams Group Limited
FortHill Property Limited
Work highlights
- Assisted Kiwi Property Group Limited with the NZD86m sale of a large format retail centre.
- Advised Lenticular Capital Limited on its acquisition of the Stoddard Road shopping centre from listed property company Asset Plus.
- Advised Spark New Zealand Trading Limited in relation to the sale of its passive network infrastructure assets.
Tompkins Wake
Tompkins Wake's practice provides a full range of property services throughout New Zealand. Scott Ratuki leads the commercial property department and has an excellent track record in handling large-scale commercial developments and subdivisions. Property and real estate lawyer Peter Duncan is well known for advising on local government property matters. Peter Fanning's workload includes infrastructure, agriculture, and commercial property mandates, and Rotorua-based Catriona Gordon's broad practice takes in commercial property developments and transactions. Kate Searancke and Campbell Stewart are noted for their commercial property and overseas investor expertise respectively. In April 2023 Gemma Bodle and Rotorua-based Jasmine Findlater made partner, bolstering the team with their expertise in commercial and residential property, covering leasing, transactions, and local government matters. Unless stated otherwise, all named individuals are based in the Hamilton office.
Practice head(s):
Scott Ratuki; Peter Duncan
Other key lawyers:
Peter Fanning; Catriona Gordon; Gemma Bodle; Jasmine Findlater; Kate Searancke; Campbell Stewart
Key clients
Stark Property Group
AFI Investments
Fosters Construction
Rotorua Lakes Council
Hamilton City Council
Waipa District Council
WEL Energy Networks Limited
Waitomo District Council