New Zealand full-service firm Bell Gully often engages with climate change work in areas such as environment and planning, renewable energy, forestry, and ESG.

Leading the firm’s climate change practice is Simon Watt, who is recognised for his expertise in climate change issues both domestically and internationally, having assisted the New Zealand government with the design of its emission trading scheme and in the development of climate change legislation. Watt’s experience includes transaction-related carbon issues, carbon trading, carbon pass-through and carbon-related forestry matters, and he has continuously held key roles at the country’s Climate Change and Business Conference since it began in 2004.

In an ongoing highlight, Watt and other key team members are advising the Electricity Authority on a number of regulatory developments to support New Zealand’s energy transition and adapt to the effects of climate change. Watt is also a key individual advising the Project Crimson Trust, which aims to establish afforestation projects across New Zealand with the goal of incentivising investment into native forestry in order to strengthen and contribute to sustainable ecosystems.

On the contentious side, the firm is acting for Genesis Energy in defending a High Court claim brought by a private individual against seven New Zealand companies which are involved in contributing to GHG emissions. This represents the first time a private law claim has been brought in New Zealand in respect of the GHG emissions of private businesses.

Beyond its legal work, the firm publishes articles on climate-related issues, and runs the multi-year series of reports ‘The Big Picture – Climate Change’, discussing an overview of climate change developments on a yearly basis. Together with Toitū Envirocare, the firm also measures its own carbon footprint as a business, and has established an Environmental Sustainability Committee which seeks to educate the team’s behaviours and implement best practices.