Simpson Grierson

Construction

Consultant

Michael is one of New Zealand’s pre-eminent construction lawyers.

He has specialised in construction law since 1992, initially with the largest construction law firm in the UK, and since 1997 with Simpson Grierson where he heads the firm's industry leading construction law team.

Michael’s experience extends across virtually all industry sectors, including building (commercial and residential buildings, prisons, hospitals, and sports and entertainment facilities), roading, transport, mining, tunnelling, water and wastewater, electricity, and telecommunications.

Michael also has extensive experience in adjudication, arbitration, dispute review boards, mediation, negotiation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

Michael is admitted as a Solicitor to the High Court of England. Prior to qualifying as a lawyer Michael was a structural engineer and project manager and remains a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng).

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

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.

Recognition

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

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