MinterEllisonRuddWatts advises across a broad spectrum of major infrastructure and development projects, including transport, energy, and large-scale residential and commercial builds. The team advises clients through all stages of project delivery, from structuring, procurement, and consenting through to risk management and dispute resolution. Sarah Sinclair is an expert in construction, infrastructure, and energy, acting on public and private sector projects. Bianca Tree, a specialist in environmental and resource management law, advises across a wide range of development projects and compliance issues in sectors including energy and infrastructure. Mark Crosbie has expertise in the structuring, funding, and delivery of complex property and development projects, as well as providing commercial insight into project disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Their strength is that they are an all-rounded team, enabling a client to be provided with the full suite of expertise. The team they put together from partner through to juniors was outstanding.'
- 'The quality of their advice was always extremely sound. Their ability to think outside the square, providing ideas and solutions that may not have been considered. Sarah Sinclair was our lead partner and was exemplary. I always felt extremely supported by the team.'
- 'The MERW construction team has deep sector knowledge and is responsive to our needs. They provide practical advice in high-stakes project environments.'
- 'The team's consistency demonstrates a high level of commercial acumen, aligning legal advice with project realities.'
- 'The individuals I've worked with at MERW are not only technically strong, but also commercially savvy and easy to engage with. They highlight legal risks and offer solutions, backed by experience, that help projects progress with confidence.'
- 'Sarah Sinclair, Janine Stewart, Grant de Lisle, and Jordan Oldham consistently demonstrate exceptional clarity in complex negotiations, and their ability to calmly manage pressure and bring alignment within the team is a real asset.'
Key clients
- Auckland Council | Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau
- Channel Infrastructure
- Cooper & Company
- Crown Infrastructure Delivery
- Department of Internal Affairs | Te Tari Taiwhenua
- Ferry Holdings
- Fulton Hogan
- Generus Living Group
- Genesis Energy
- Jacobs New Zealand
- Kiwi Property Group
- Metlifecare
Work highlights
Advising the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on the delivery of the Ōpōtiki Harbour Development project.
Advising Southern Cross Healthcare on a private plan change and concurrent resource consent to expand Brightside Hospital in Epsom.
Advising Taharoa Ironsands on reconsenting its Taharoa Ironsand mine to operate for 35 more years.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Sarah Sinclair; Bianca Tree
Other key lawyers
Mark Crosbie; Janine Stewart; Grant de Lisle; Jordan Oldham; Scott Thompson; Stephanie de Groot; Natasha Hood