MinterEllisonRuddWatts‘ construction and real estate teams advise on many of New Zealand’s most complex transactions, projects and disputes. Scott Thompson and Mark Crosbie lead the construction team, advising domestic and international clients across a range of sectors including transport, energy, utilities, and commercial development. The group provides strategic guidance through project delivery and high-stakes disputes. Sarah Sinclair specialises in construction, infrastructure, and energy matters; Stephen Price manages delivery of major construction projects; and Janine Stewart advises on construction, property, and project disputes. David Gilbert leads the real estate team, which covers acquisitions and divestments, major development projects, overseas investments, commercial portfolio management, and leasing matters; within the team, Amanda Spratt specialises inr eal estate acquisitions and disposals and priperty finance. The team is supported by Holly Hill, who brings to the table a wealth of experience in the commercial property area. Andrew Monteith departed the firm in December 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ commercial property practice stands out to me for its deep expertise in commercial property and its ability to balance legal precision with practical, business-focused advice. The team consistently considers both business and reputational risk, ensuring solutions are not only legally sound but also commercially viable.'
- 'David Gilbert provides exceptional advice based upon many years of experience in the NZ property market. Katrine Kofoed has huge capacity for delivering accurate, dependable and well considered legal advice.'
- 'The partners are embedded in the construction industry, with decades of combined experience acting for owners, contractors, subcontractors, and consultants across the entire project lifecycle. They speak the language of construction, understand the technical and commercial drivers behind every project, and translate complex legal risk into clear, actionable advice that keeps projects moving.'
- 'Janine Stewart and Grant de Lisle are outstanding construction law advisers. Janine’s strategic foresight and ability to translate complex issues into practical solutions is unmatched. They respond quickly, think ahead, and go above and beyond to protect our interests and keep projects on track. Supported by an exceptional team, they set the benchmark for construction law excellence in New Zealand.'
- 'Probably the best team in the country in terms of front end and back end expertise.'
- 'Holly Hill has strong legal knowledge across the government and commercial sectors. She considers matters from both a legal and commercial view point and becomes an excellent collaborator within a project team. Her advice is given with confidence and a willingness to have it tested if needs be but always with a suitable level of caution.'
Key clients
- ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited / Arawata Assets Limited
- Argosy Property Limited
- Bupa Care Services New Zealand Limited
- IKEA New Zealand Limited
- Kiwi Property Group
- Precinct Properties Holdings Limited
- Metlifecare Limited
- Milford Asset Management
- New Zealand Government (Multiple agencies and departments)
- Stride Prop & Stride Invest Mgmt Ltd
- Westpac (NZ) Investments Ltd
- Z Energy Limited
Work highlights
Advising Heritage Hotels, New Zealand’s leading accommodation provider, on its partnership with TFE Hotels, one of Australia’s fastest growing hospitality businesses.
Acting for Westpac, one of New Zealand’s largest banks, as sole legal provider for its national property portfolio.
Representing WGP on all aspects of the NZD1.25 billion Transmission Gully motorway project.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame: Real estate and construction
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners: Real estate and construction
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners: Real estate and construction
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Holly Hill
Leading associates: Real estate and construction
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Jennifer Campbell
Katrine Kofoed
Practice head
David Gilbert; Scott Thompson; Mark Crosbie
Other key lawyers
Sarah Sinclair; Stephen Price; Janine Stewart; Holly Hill; Katrine Kofoed; Grant de Lisle; Matthew Ferrier; Amanda Spratt; Jennifer Campbell