Simpson Grierson

Transport

Consultant

Michael widely acknowledged as one of New Zealand’s pre-eminent construction lawyers, having been the lead legal advisor on almost all the most significant major projects in New Zealand over the last decade, including the last five projects over $1billion, including the $5.5 billion City Rail Link Project.

Michael’s experience extends across virtually all industry sectors.  His specialist expertise includes:

Major project procurement processes, structuring and documentation Collaborative contracting, including alliancing and early contractor involvement, on complex projects;

Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and the use of private finance in the funding of infrastructure projects (BOOTs and DBFOs, including tolling);

Structuring and documenting infrastructure projects;

Public sector procurement and probity;

The resolution of construction and engineering disputes including adjudication, arbitration, dispute review boards, mediation, negotiation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

He is Co-Author of Lexis Nexis’ “Kennedy Grant and Weatherall on Construction”, New Zealand’s leading practitioner text.

He is listed in Expert Guides ‘Best of the Best Global’ Top 30 Construction Practitioners Globally.

Recognition

Asia Pacific Legal 500 2026 Transport (Rail, Road, Air & Sea) – Hall of Fame

Asia Pacific Legal 500 2026 Real Estate and Construction – Hall of Fame

Asia Pacific Legal 500 2025 Projects & Resources Management (including Environment) – Leading Lawyer

Chambers Asia–Pacific 2026 Construction – Leading Lawyer

IFLR1000 Project Development 2025 – Highly Regarded

Expert Guides 2021 Construction – Best of the Best Global

AsiaLaw 2021 Construction – Distinguished Practitioner

English

Michael is a member of the Standards New Zealand Committee, which drafted the New Zealand Standard Conditions of Contract for Construction and Engineering Projects, NZS3910:2013, and associated suite of contracts.

New Zealand Society of Construction Law - Past President and Honorary Lifetime Member.

PGDip(Law)(UK)

PGDip(LegPrac)(UK)

BE(Civil)(Hons)(Canterbury) CPEng