Hesketh Henry’s construction and real estate practices cover the full spectrum of their respective fields. The construction team, led by Glen Holm-Hansen, specialises in disputes across all stages of projects, from procurement and contractual issues through to post-construction adjudications, mediations, arbitrations, and High Court proceedings. Nick Gillies has also been central to developing the firm’s construction practice, while Helen Macfarlane provides expertise in construction, property, and insurance disputes. The real estate practice, co-led by Robert Berry and Barret Blaylock, advises on acquisitions, disposals, developments, subdivisions, leasing, and communal ownership matters. Brian Coburn provides advisory and transactional support for high-value commercial property investments, often representing overseas high-net-worth clients. Melissa Russell joined from Kennedys in October 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They talk in plain language and provide options.'
- 'Barret Blaylock is responsive and timely when services are required.'
- 'Smart, practical but strategic - great combination.'
- I would recommend Glen Holm-Hansen. Always available and responsive. Quickly shows knowledge on the various matters we've discussed and is able to consider both strict and commercial solutions.
- Strong industry knowledge, a proportionate and practical approach to billing, and investment in helping us to upskill our people on commercial and contractual matters.
- The HH team each has specialist knowledge about the building construction process or civil engineering. They have external relationships with other non-legal professionals, some of which are international, which provides an ability to strengthen the overall knowledge needed for complex disputes.
Key clients
- BW Group
- Kahawai Point Developments Ltd
- Octagon Developments Ltd
- Octagon (Terrace Management) Ltd
- The Marianne Caughey Smith
- Preston Memorial Rest Homes Trust Board
- The General Trust Board of the Diocese of Auckland
- Airedale Property Trust
- New Zealand Methodist Trust Association
- Synergy Properties -The Palms Lifestyle Village Ltd -Pinefarm 25 Joint Venture
- 22 Terrace Investment Ltd
- Speldhurst Country Estate Ltd -Richmond Villas Ltd
Work highlights
Advising Kahawai Point Developments Ltd on its greenfield development of an 800+ lot residential subdivision.
Advising Bank Arcade Holdings Ltd on its lease with Meridian Energy Ltd for commercial office space forming part of the Old Bank Chambers building in Wellington CBD.
Acting as defence counsel for WSP in relation to High Court proceedings commenced by a commercial developer regarding alleged structural design defects for a new Christchurch CBD building.
Lawyers
Leading partners: Real estate and construction
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Robert Berry; Barret Blaylock; Glen Holm-Hansen
Other key lawyers
Nick Gillies; Helen Macfarlane; Brian Coburn; Melissa Russell