Simpson Grierson maintains a strong presence in the projects and environment space, with a focus on large-scale energy, infrastructure, and urban development initiatives. Bill Loutit is a leading environment specialist with extensive experience in litigation and dispute resolution for major land development projects. Padraig McNamara advises councils and corporations on resource management and public policy matters. Matt Conway represents both public and private clients on contentious consenting and plan change matters, particularly involving energy, water, and road infrastructure. Sarah Scott has a wide-ranging natural resources practice with particular strength in environmental litigation, infrastructure projects, and strategic policy planning.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'S&G legal team are strategic in terms of political direction and case law, and ensure all risks are covered and identified to provide the best outcome for the client. They are collaborative as a team and offer above and beyond services to achieve timelines and reasonable outputs.'
- 'Sarah Mitchell is a professional and strategic lawyer, extremely knowledgeable and versed in RMA, planning and environmental legislation and case law.'
- 'SG can provide us with a talented team to undertake our policy work. All lawyers are at "the top of their game" and can provide up-to-date information and strategic advice.'
- 'Sarah Scott is a talented partner who is great with strategic advice as well as knowing the law backwards.
- 'Mike Wakefield is an experienced and strategic lawyer.'
- 'Shanae Richardson is a calm and helpful lawyer, who is organised and precise.'
Key clients
- Auckland Transport
- Beachlands South Limited Partnership
- Datagrid New Zealand Limited Partnership
- Environment Canterbury
- Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
- K A Waimanawa Limited Partnership
- Hynds Pipe Systems Limited
- Hawke’s Bay Regional Council
- Kaipara District Council
- Kapiti Coast District Council
- Porirua City Council
- Queenstown-Lakes District Council
- Tauranga City Council
- Waikato Regional Council
- Taranaki Regional Council
- New Zealand Defence Force
- Oceana Gold (New Zealand) Limited
- Parliamentary Service
- Port Otago
- Ruakaka Developments Limited
Work highlights
Advising DataGrid New Zealand on the development of a data centre park for training Artificial Intelligence on a 49 ha site near Invercargill.
Advising Queenstown Lakes District Council on its district plan review and all appeals seeking to challenge the council’s approach to protecting its highly valued amenity landscapes in the Wakatipu Basin (between Queenstown, Frankton and Arrowtown).
Advising Auckland Transport and the Eastern Busway Alliance on resource consent applications, designations and the acquisition of land to enable the development of the Eastern Busway Project.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Bill Loutit; Padraig McNamara; Matt Conway; Sarah Scott
Other key lawyers
Sarah Mitchell; Mike Wakefield; Edward Norman; Lisa Curran; Hamish Harwood; Rachel Abraham; Shanae Richardson