Mr Paul Buetow > Dentons New Zealand > Auckland, New Zealand > Lawyer Profile

The environment and planning team at Dentons New Zealand is the premier choice for major clients, such as Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency, KiwiRail, Wellington Water Limited and Airbnb. Lauded for its ‘very practical and pragmatic’ approach, the team regularly handles complex infrastructure development projects and is noted for its particular expertise in water infrastructure. The practice is jointly led by Wellington-based Nicky McIndoe and Auckland-based Christina Sheard. McIndore is sought after by clients for her focus on the Resource Management Act, heritage, conservation and public works, and local government legislation relevant to infrastructure. Sheard has expertise obtaining designations and alterations to designations for projects. Paul Buetow is a key port of call for government agencies, local authorities, large principals and contractors in the construction space.

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.

Dentons New Zealand’s transport practice draws from the firm’s wider projects, construction, environment, planning, banking, property and corporate practices. The team has an in-depth knowledge of sectors including road, rail, ferries, bridges, public transport and cycling and distinguishes itself through its ability to support at all stages of a project lifecycle, including PPPs. In Auckland, Matthew Ockleston leverages his knowledge of the Public Works Act 1981 to support on public land acquisitions, meanwhile Paul Buetow focuses on significant infrastructure projects; the duo co-leads the team alongside Christina Sheard, an expert in the Resource Management Act.